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Ti?K Boys who FoyoHr m' 
GETTYSBURG, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Shelf .M[?l.. 

UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. 



HISTORY 



OF 



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Company K. 



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1st (Inft,) Penn a Reserves. 



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, BY H. N. MINNIGH. 
Captain and Brev, Major, 



2^3 2et? V^ 



Introductory Edition. 



■y^ •*- 



'Home Print" Publisher. 

DUNCANSVILLE., Pa. 






i^i 5> 

Copyright, 1891. 

BY 

Henry N. Minnigh. 



TO 

WIVES, 

DAUGHTERS, 

FATHERS & MOTHERS, 

WHO GAVE THEIR LOVED ONES 

TO THE UNION CAUSE, 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS 
RESPECTFULLY 
DEDICATED, 

BY 

THE AUTHOT^, 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

TyE have sought to gather into this little volume, 
a few of the incidents that are prominent in the 
History of Company K, as they have presented them- 
selves to us, after the facts related have passed almost 
beyond recall. We have been obliged, for the sake of 
brevity, to omit much that might have been recorded, 
and to give only that, which we think should be pre- 
served m some way. 

Our Children, and Children's children, as they scan 
these pages in the days to come, may proudly boast 
of ancestors, who were among "The Boys who fought 
at Gettysburg their own home." 

We are aware that inaccuracies and imperfections 
will be found in the book, for while the collecting of 
material has bee a in progress for quite a while, the edi- 
ting and compiling, has come upon us in the midst of 
other cares and duties, in our chosen walk of life. 



Preface. 

We trust our labor will not be in vain, but that our 
little volume will be appreciated and preserved, by 
those still in life, who remember the scene and expe- 
rience so imperfectly set forth, as well as by their pas- 
terity, through all time to come. 

We have already commenced the revision of this 
volume, and propose soon to publish a larger and re- 
vised edition ; and, therefore, I ask all comrades who 
may find errors in the present edition, to acquaint me 
at once of the fact, that such errors may be corrected. 

H. N. M. 



TEANSCRTPT 

of the 

IWIJSTER OUT ROI.I. 

Of Co. K. First Penn'a Reserves. 



^J VV E give ouly a Transcript of Dam^s, as 
they appear on the Muster Out Roll, referring 
our readers to the Historical Record, tor the 
date of Muster in and Muster out, and all other 
interesting data. This Roster includes the names 
of all the members of the company, that ever ap- 
peared on any muster roll. 




Present. 



1. Henry N. Minnigh, Captain. 

2. George E. Kiizmiller, 1st Lieut. 

1. Samuel A. Young, 1st Sergeant. 

2. John C. Brandon, Sergeant. 

3. James McGonigle, do 

4. M. Murray Miller, do 



1. Henry H. Beamer, 

2. James Culbertson, 

3. George C. Carson, 

4. John F. Mackley, 

5. Andrew A. SlagK', 



Corporal, 
do 
do 
do 
do 



Muster Out Roll. 



1. Beaks Charles W, Private. 

2. Bingaman Samuel, do 
3 Blocher Andrew H, do 

4. Caufman Henry W, do 

5. Cox George W, do 

6. Danner H. Knox, do 

7. Dixon Samuel, do 

8. Gibbs George W, do 

9. Jacobs John H. K, do 

10. Johns David E, do 

11. Jobe William T, do 

12. Mackley Jacob, do 

13. Megary William R, do 

14. Robison D. Webster, do 

15. Rouzer James M, do 

16. Riggs William, do 

17. Reramel David E. H, do 

18. Stewart David M, • do 

19. Stouffer Jacob, do 

Discharged. 

1. Edward McPherson, Captain. 

2. J. J. Herron, 1st Lieut. 



Muster Out Boll. 
[Discharged, continued.] 

1. Philip L. Houck, Sergeant. 

2. Peter H. Henry, do 

3. Alex. L. C. Woods, do 

1 Charles Z. Tawnej, Corporal. 

1. (Jaufman Charles E, Private. 

2. Ejster Samuel H, do 

3. Devine Bernard, do 

4. Dixon Samuel, do 

5. Fanus Hiram J, do 

6. Hart Levi J, do 

7. Hollinger Philip, do 

8. Hortkins Henry, do 

9. Lady Hiram, do 

10. Myers John J, do 

11. Pierce James Shaw, do 

12. Khoads Andrew H, do 

13. Shaffer David, do 

14. Siplinger Mathias J, do 

15. Trimmer William, do 



Muster Out Roll. 



Transferred. 



1. 


W. W. Stewart, 


Captain. 


1. 


Pcttr S. Harbaugh, 


Sergeant. 


1. 


Joseph Hamilton, 


Corporal. 


2. 


Joseph Baker, 


do 


3. 


Robert T. McKinney, 


do 


4. 


Jacob Resser, 


do 


6. 


Daniel D. Bailey, 


do 


6. 


Brandon Isaac M, 


do 


1. 


Gilbert Charles E, 


Musician. 


2. 


Naylor Wilson E, 


do 


1. 


Arendt Jacob W, 


Private. 


2. 


Beard Obed. M, 


do 


3. 


Chronister Amos, 


do 


4. 


Cassatt Samuel J, 


do 


5. 


Duey John J, 


do 


6. 


Durboraw I. Newton, 


do 


7. 


Elden Henry W. C, 


do 


8. 


Gardner Amos T, 


do 


9. 


Goutermuch Paul, 


do 


10. 


Hamilton Calvin, 


do 


11. 


Harbaugh Calvin, 


do 



Muster Oat Roll. 

Transferred, [continued.] 

12. Keckler Samuel E, Private. 

18. Leech Elijah L, do 

14. Monteer Henry R, do 

15. Mumper William, du 

16. Myers David M, do 

17. Pittinger John F, do 

18. Pensyl George W, do 

19. Rosensteel John IT, do 

20. Sheads Robert E, do 

21. Sheets Samuel, do 

22. Swisher Charles E, do 
28. Woodring David H, do 

24. Foutz Adam. do 

25. Ogden John Q, do 

Died. 

1. Bailey J. Findley, Captain. 

2. Sadler John D, 1st Lieut. 

1. Creamer John T, Private. 

2. Keim Frederick A, do 

3. McKinney John W, do 

4. Miller Peter M, do 



Muster Out Eoll. 


5. McGrew William, 


Private. 


6. Myers George W, 


do 


7. Nailor Jeremiah, 


do 


8. Shai k JesFe, 


do 


9. SbipVy J(>hr> W, 


do 


10. Wipotzkey Craig F, 


do 


Deserter?. 




1. Binsaroan David. 


Private. 


2. Gardner Richard P, 


do 


3. Hart Bernard, 


do 


4. HiHebrand John F, 


do 


5. Jones Henry H, 


do 


6. Metcalf Wooster B, 


do 


7. Weber Frank, 


do 


Dropped. 




1. Gibson John, 


Private. 


2. Holtzwonh Adam, 


do 


3. Holtz worth George, 


do 


4. Little George, 


do 


5. Rogers Zephaniah, 


do 


6. Zell William, 


do 

^^ 



A History 
Of Company K. First (Tnft.) Penn'a Reserves. 



INTRODUCTORY. 




G IS our purpose, to write a briet 
History of Company K. First 
" ^- (Intt,) Penn'a Reserves. 



The history of a Company, as 
duty was performed by such com- 
,mand, in the War of the Rebel- 
lion, must needs be. the History 
of the Regiment, Brigade and Di- 
vision to which such company belonged. 

It is not a part of our plan, to add laurels to those 
really won by the company, or to burnish ihc charac- 
of any member thereof, for the record is already made, 
and this Company needs no boosting into popular favor 
at this late day. 



2 



That the History of the company and of its heroes, 
may be put into tangible form for distribution and 
preservation, as well as that a book of reference may 
be put in the hands of the survivors and their families, 
is our only object. 

Company K. First Penn'a Reserves, takes no second 
place among the companies that went out from the 
County of Adams, though other companies performed 
good and noble service. 

I wish to confine myself mainly, to Three points of 
interest, in the work assumed : 

I. The Organization and work of the Company. 
II. A brief Record of each member. 

III. Reminiscences of the Company. 



CHAPTER I. 



Organization of the Company. 



O ISI 





THE 15th day of May, 1861, a 
Bill was passed by both branches 
^// /; i I 1 j'x^^rr of the Penn'a Legislature, received 
the Governor's signature, and be- 
gi came a law of the commonwealth, 
authorizing the organization of a 
military corps, to be called, the 
Reserve volunteer corps, to be 
composed of Thirteen regiments of Infantry, One of 
Cavalry and One of Artillery, to be mustered into the 
State service, and to be liable to be mustered into the 
service of the United States at any time. (See Bill.) 

In response to orders issued to local military organ- 
izations in the state, the <'Adams county infantry," of 
Gettysburg, accepted the call. The ranks were filled 
to the maximum number, in a few days, from all parts 
of the county, and was officered as follows : — 

Edward McPherson, Captain ; J. Finley Bailey, ist 
Lieut; J. J. Herron, 2nd Lieut. 



4 Off to Camp Wayne. 

We rendezvoused at Gettysburg on Friday June 7. 
i86t, having been accepted by Gov. Curtin, under the 
provisions of the Bill above recorded. 

On Saturday June 8th, at 7:30 a. m. the command 
took the train, and proceeded to ('amp Wayne, at 
Westchester, Pa., where a Camp was organized under 
charge of Capt. H. M. Mclntire, as a rendezvous, for 
a portion of the Reserve corps. 

We reached Camp at 6:30 p.m. and entered upon 
an experience, which few suspected, would last for the 
whole term of three years. 



CHAPTER n. 

Organization was effected, by the 
appointment of non- Commission- 
ed officers, on Tuesday June nth 
as follows: — 

W. W. Stewart, ist Sergeant, and 
J. J. Duey, Peter H. Henry, and 
H. N. Minnigh, Sergeants, m the 

order named ; also, the following Corporals : — J. D. 
Sadler, P. L. Houck, Jacob Resser and D. D. Bailey. 
The Record will prove whether these w-ere judicious 
selections or not. 




How we became Company K. 5 

''After muster into the State service, our progress in 
the drill was so marked, that Col. Roberts, on account 
of the character of the men and their proficiency, se- 
lected us as Company B, of the Regiment," says Capt. 
McPherson in a recent letter, ''an assignment which 
was overruled by Gen'l McCall, when the regiment 
reached Washington. The Union guards of Lancaster, 
which had originally been Co. B, was thereby restored 
and we were made, as at first, Co. K, which position 
had naturally fallen to us, having been the last com- 
pany of those forming the First regiment, that arrived 
in camp." 

Well ! we have the consciousness today, that as a 
company we were not inferior to any other command 
in the regiment, and Company K. never did and never 
will, ask for unmerited favors. 

On June i8, a slashing and cutting affray took place 
in camp, for on that day a general vaccination of the 
members of the company was ordered. Probably the 
Surgeon wanted to get a little practice. He got there. 

June 20, the ladies of our native county, sent us a 
full complement of Havelocks, and a useless appen- 
dage they were. Barney D. said, they were "Moighty 
noice to corrie me tobaccy in." We sent home thanks 
and threw the "head -bags" away. 



6 Armed and Equipped. 

Drill, drill, drill! was the order of the camp, and 
we soon became proficient in all company movements, 
principally under the command of Lieut, Bailey. 

Col. Roberts took command of the Regiment, and 
also of the camp, on June 20th, and on the 21st, Capt. 
McPherson visited Gettysburg, returning on the 25th, 
l)rmging five recruits for the company, which added to 
the 69 who had passed the examination previously, 
increased our numer to 74. 

June 28th, we again received a donation from home, 
consisting of needle-cases, which were very convenient, 
but one of the boys said, he wished his sister, or some- 
body else's sister, had come along to do his mending. 

On Monday, July ist, the regiment was partly uni- 
formed ; white duck pants and flannel shirts, furnished 
by the state, and a fancy gray Jacket, sent from home, 
while Caps and Overcoats, were issued by the govern- 
ment; arms and accoutrements, were also distributed. 

*'The Glorious Fourth," came on, and with it came 
an invitation to a neighboring grove, where the good 
people of Westchester furnished us with a No. 1. dinner. 
After dinner the "shoulder straps" gallafhted the girls, 
while the <<low private" soldiers looked on, or perhaps 
thought of «<The girl I left behind me." Some took a 
bathe in the Brandy wine. 



The men who composed Co, K. 7 

July 5th, an order was issued, requiring all compan- 
ies to be filled up to the maximum number, by recrui- 
ting officers, sent out for that purpose. It should have 
been stated before, that at the original examination, a 
nnmber of men had been rejected, on account of phys- 
ical defects, even the slightest, as only men of perfect 
physique were taken to fill the quota. 

Sergeants Stewart and Minnigh were detailed accor- 
dingly, leaving camp on the 8th, and returning on the 
19th, with twenty recruits, who were mustered in on 
that date, increasing our numbers to 94 all told. 

While we still lacked seven of the full quota, the 
very best material, however, composed this command, 
men of muscle, nerve, and courage, as well as brain, 
men of whom Gov. Curtin could well say, "They are 
the flower of the state." All volunteers, none forced 
into service, no bummers^ no bounty -jumpers. 

Another fact should be staled here; the men in the 
ranks were not inferior, in physique or social standing 
to the officers. Hence, the duty performed, and the 
work done by this command. 

Every battle-field on which the Army of the Poto- 
mac was engaged, from Mechanicsville, June 26. 1S62, 
to Bethesda church, June 30. 1864, drank of the no- 
blest blood, the state could afford, when the.se men fell. 



CHAPTER III. 



"On To The Front.' 




AMP Wayne was left behind, on 
July 2ist, when the First regiment 
with other Reserve troops, were 
ordered to rendezvous at Harris- 
burg, on their way to the front. 

All along the way, from the lat- 
ter place, the people were in the 
rage of excitement, owing to the disaster at Bull-run, 
the previous day. (21st,) and when we reached Balti- 
more, a delegation of the city authorities and police, 
waited on Col. Roberts, who was in command of all 
troops then moving to the front, and urged him not to 
attempt a passage through the city. Our commanders 
characteristic reply was, "Gentlemen! we have not 
come down here hunting for safe places, my men are 
thoroughly equipped, and will march through the city." 
On the morning of the 23rd, we advanced through 
the city, the only peculiarity, noticeable, being the 
scarcity of Baltimore fire-eaters and plug-uglies. 



Camp Carroll and Annapolis Junction. 9 

Having passed through the heart of the city without 
any disturbance whatever, we camped on Carroll Hill, 
in the suburbs, and here on the 24th of July, we were 
mustered into the U. S. Service, lor three years or du- 
ring the war. 

July 26th, the non-Commissioned officers were in- 
creased to 5 sergeants, and 8 corporals, A. L. C. 
Woods being appointed 5th sergeant, and S. A. Young, 
I. N. Durboraw, I. M. Brandon and H. W. Caufman, 
5th, 6th, 7th an i 8th corporals, rttspectively. 

On the 28th, we left this camp, and marched toward 
Washington D. C. but at Annapolis Junction w^% with 
three other companies of the regiment, went into camp, 
while the ballance of the regiment went to Annapolis. 

l.ieut. Herron resigned on the 14th, and Capt. Mc 
Pherson on the 24th of August; an election was accor- 
dingly held, and resulted in the promotion of W. W, 
Stewart, to ist Lieut, and J. D. Sadler, to 2nd Lieut, 
while Lieut. Bailey was made Captain m the regular 
line of promotion. 

On August 30th, we moved with the regiment, to 
camp Tennally, north west of Wasington city, and at 
no great distance from the same. 

Here a general pr tmotion of non-commissioned 
officers took place, ynd when finished, they stood in 
the following order on the company rolls. 



10 Camp Tennally. 

H. N. Minnigh, Orderly Serg't, J. J. Duey, P. H. 
Henry, A. L. C. Woods and P. L. Houck, Sergeants 
in the order named. S. A. Young, I. N. Durboraw, 
I. M. Brandon, H. W. Caufman, C. Z. '1 awney, Geo. 
E. Kitzmiller, H. Knox Banner and Jacob Resser, 
Corporals. 

Eight recruits joined the company and were mustered 
in Sep't 3rd, beside these, only six others ever joined 
the company, and they came and were mustered in on 
Sep't 4th, 1862. (See roll.) 

September i6th, the Penn'a Reserves, were fully or- 
ganized as a Division, with (ien'l Geo. A. McCall as 
Division commander, and Gcn'l Jno. F. Reynolds, in 
command of the .First Brigade, to which Brigade our 
Regiment was attached. 

And now followed many weary days, consisting of 
Company, Regimentril and Brigade drill, also, daily 
details of men, who assisted in building Fort Pennsyl- 
vania, erected by the Reserves, an occasional review 
or "F A L L I N," which merely meant an exhaustive 
standing in line for hours together, "the divil knows 
phwat fore," said Barney, none of which was much 
enjoyed by the boys, who were eager to cros» the Po- 
tomac, whip the Jonnies, and then go home. Many 
amusing things transpired at this camp, of which we 
may speak later on. 



Jl 



CHAPFER IV. 
The Work vjf the Company. 

WITH Chapter Fourth, we enter iijjon the Sec- 
ond division of our projected j)lan, viz.. "The 
work of the company." 

October 9th, we crossed tlie Potomac river, and en- 
tered upon the "sacred S')il of Virgmia," and f«)rmed 
a winter camp at Langley, known as Camp Pierpont. 

Here we tried to be comfortable, but the severe ex- 
posure with constant camp and picket duty, wrought 
upon the men who never knew else, than to live under 
the sheltering roofs of comfortable homes, "up m the 
north-land." 

November 26. Jesse Shank, ot York Springs, Pa, 
and December 4. Geo. W. Myers, of the same place, 
died, and were sent home for burial. But the winter 
wore away, and weary of the monotonous routine of 
duty, we waited eagerly for the spring-time, and the 
anticipated forward movement. 

March 10, we broke camp and joined in the ad- 
vance of the Army of the Potomac, under Gen'l G .B. 
McClellan, and on the evening of the first days march, 
camped at Hunter's Mill, Va. 



12 On to the Rapj ahannock. 

We stayed here three days, and then moved in the 
direction of Alexandria, where we arrived, through 
rain and mud, and went into camp, the advance move- 
ment having developed the fact, that the confederate 
army had abandoned Manasses and gone southward. 

April 9th, we moved forward on the line oi the Or- 
ange & Alex'a.R. R. by way of Manasses and VV^arren- 
ton junctions, to Catlett's station, and finally down 
the north bank of the Rappahannock river to Fal- 
mouth opposite Fredericksburg, where we encamped. 

May 26th, we crossed the river, and took possession 
of that city, encamping on the heights westward. 

This, and the former camp at Falmouth, were deci- 
dedly the pleasaniest camps m our three years service. 

On Jtme 8th, the Division was ordered to join Mc- 
Clellan's forces on the peninsula. We accordingly em- 
barked at Bell's landing on the 9th, and after a voyage 
of 20 hours, disembarked at White-house landing on 
the Pamunkey river. After various marches and coun- 
ter-marches we finally encamped on June i8th, on the 
extreme right of the army, near Mechanicsville. 

And now came the famous Seven days Battles, the 
very thought of which, causes an involuntary tremor 
to pass through the whole bemg, days of horror and 
bloodshed, of humiliation and death. We cannot even 
hope to give an adequate portrayal of these horrors. 



J3 

CHAPTER V. 

Battle of" Mechanicsville. 

THE 26th of June, found the command on tlie 
Picket line, from which we were hurriedly re- 
called, only to i'iUi] our camp had disappeared 
and our private property gone "where the woodbine 
twineth," but in time to take our ])lace in Ime with 
other troops, who were ready to meet the confederates, 
who were reported as advancing in our immediate 
front. We were ordered by special detail with our Reg- 
iment; to support Cooper's battery. I need not write 
up this battle in full detail, for those irho ice^'€ there, 
remember well, the onward rush of the enemy, how 
two whole divisions under (tcu'I Lee, (a fact developed 
more recently,) at 3 ]^. m. threw themselves upon our 
line, only to be hurled back amid great slaughter, how 
amid the shriek of shell and flashing musketry they 
still advanced, how our 58 caliber elongated balls now 
for the first time were sent on missions of death, and 
with what execution, how Craig Wisotskey fell, and in 
few moments expired, one limb being literally torn 
from the body, when Hamilton and Siplinger were 
wounded and assisted from the field, how at length the 
the shades of night fell, jnittingan end to the confli(-t. 



14 Battle of Gaines' Mill. 

There was no movement of trooj s in the Union lines, 
the men stood in their places and ])Oiired an uninter- 
rupted fire upon the enemy, while the artillery, fifty 
pieces, rained solid shot, shells, canister and .^harpnell, 
producing great slaughter. The total Union loss in this 
battle was eighty killed and two hundred wounded, 
while the Rebel loss was three thousand. 

We slept on our arms that night, and at the early 
dawn we were withdrawn, contrary to the wishes of 
the Reserves wlio had held the ground against five 
tunes their number, but we did not then know that 
Jackson had come from the Shenandoah with 40,000 
men, and was iii our rear. 

The forces north of the Chickahominy took up a new 
position at Gaines' mill, sometimes called Gaines' hill, 
and by the rebels. Coal Harbor. Gen'i Porter is m 
coinmand wjth 40,000 men while Gen'l Lee is coming 
on with 70,000, he intends to make a grand onsiet and 
sweep Porter into the Chickahominy. Three o'clock 
of the 27th, has come and the attack is made, amid 
cannonry and the angry flashes of musketry, while the 
battle cloud becomes thick and heavy. It would take 
many pages to make a full record of the terrible battle. 

At 4 o'clock we were ordered to the support of the 
Duryea Zouaves, which regiment had be.en almost an- 
nihilated . We checked the enemy and held the line 



A terrible situation. 15 

until every cartridge is gone, when we were relieved. 
Just behind the front line we halted, when a charge by 
the enemy broke the Union line, and a mass of disor- 
ganized troops came rushing back. It was at this junc- 
ture Gen'l Porter said, "Col. Roberts, can't you form 
a line and stop those flying troo]^s?" to which our 
brave Colonel resjDondvd, "I can Gen'l, but send me 
ammunition to stop the enemy.'-' Steadily as if on dress 
parade, the regiment faced fleeing friends, halted the 
disorganized mass, rallied them under its colors, and 
then with fixed bayonet awaited the onset. But cheers 
are heard coming from our rear, the tramp of some 
body of troops hurrying forward, and the famous Irish 
Brigade push onward with long and steady step, they 
check the enemy and drive him back, the day is won, 
and quiet is restored again. 

We crossed to the south side of the Chickahominy 
during the night, and joined the general retreat to- 
ward the James river, the Division having charge of all 
the ammunition and other trains. This consumed our 
time till the evening of the 29lh, when the command 
is sent out on the road leading from Charles' city to 
Richmond, west of our line of retreat, this being the 
most dangerous line of a])proach from the confederate 
side. All remember that terrible night while on pick- 
et duty, for it was soon discovered that m, large force 



16 Charles City Cross Roads. 

of the enemy were quietly concentrating in our front. 
At day light we fell back to the hue of battle compos- 
ed of the division of Penn'a Reserves, who were in 
advance of all other troops, and awaited the onset. 

Half- past two o'clock came, and then Hill with six 
brigades of his own and six of Longstreets command , 
hurled the whole force upon our front. Brigade after 
brigade advanced, but recoiled under the direct fire 
of the batteries, sustained by the infantry. 

^'Volley after volley streamed across our front and 
in such quick succession that it seemed impossible for 
any human being to live under it," writes a Rebel offi- 
cer. ''Use the bayonet onlv," is our standmg order, 
as counter-charges are directed against the enemy, 
and thus for three hours the battle rages, sustained 
wholly by McCall's division of less than six thousand 
men, and Hill has not driven him an inch. 

It was then that J. Finley Bailey our brave Captain 
was last seen, and strange as it may seem, no has ever 
been found who knew aught of his fate. Lieut. Stew- 
art was wounded while acting adjufea:it of the regi- 
ment, while nine men were wjunded and eight taken 
prisoner. The Irish brigade again came to the rescue, 
at about sunset, and under cover of the night, we fell 
back to the James river at Malvern Hill, in a state ot 
complete exhaustion and despondency. 



Malvern Hill and Harrisons landing. 17 

At the battle of Malvern hill, our command took no 
active part, but were held in reserve, the only time in 
our recollection that we held such a position. 

It may be said here, and the statistics proves the 
fact, that the Penn'a Reserves sustained a loss during 
the seven days battles, of one-fifth of the total loss, 
while our strength was only one-fifteenth of the total 
strength, and this fact does not find a parallel, in any 
campaign or any battle, of any division of the federal 
army, east or west. 



CHAPTER VI. 

At Harrison's Landing. 

BUT the campaign is ended, and on July 3rd, 
we go into camp at Harrison's landing, six 
miles down the James river. 
Here we suffer many hardships on account of inferior 
rations and unwholesome water, producing malarious 
and chronic diseases, and this we endured for torty- 
two days. 

A regular promotion of company officers took place 
here, as follows : — W, W. Stewart to be Captain, J. 
D. Sadler, ist Lieut, and H. N. Minnigh, 2nd Lieut. 
Sadler was in command Stewart being absent wounded. 



18 ,. Going to join Pope's army. - 

• 

August the 15 th, we took the lead in the evacuation 
ol the Peninsula, and embarked on the steamer Rob't 
Morrison, for the avowed purpose of joining Pope's 
army before Washington. We landed at A quia creek, 
on the 19th, and proceeding thence by way of Freder- 
icksburg, and at Warrenton junction, we fell in with 
Pope's forces, hurrying back toward the National cap- 
itol, with the rebel horde at his heels. 

We reached Bull Run on the 2gih^ and found that 
a portion of the rebel army had beat us in the race, 
but by a flank movement we passed them, took up a 
position on the old battle ground, skirmished back and 
forth one whole day, and waited eagerly the commg 
of McClellan's army. 

After a brave and obstinate contest, lastmg all day 
on the 30th, in which a victory should have been won, 
but was lost through the defection and petty jealousies 
of some leading officers, the Union forces yielded the 
ground' and fell back toward Washington. 

On the night of Sep't ist, we picketed on the flank 
of the army camped at Centreville, then jomcl in the 
general retreat and finally went mto camp at Upton 's 
hill, near Alexandria. 

September 6th, we moved across the Long Bridge, 
through Washington city, to Leesboro, Md. where we 
went into camp.' 



Battle of South Mountain. 19 

The Rebel army under Gen'l Lee, hus crossed the 
Potomac near Point of Rocks, and it is his intention 
to ''liberate Maryland, and invade Pennsylvania." 

His plan is to hold the gaps across South Mountain, 
and push his army north through the rich and beauti- 
ful Cumberland valley, "cut his way to Philadelphia, 
and dictate terms of peace in Independence Square." 

On September 14th, the Union army found the ene- 
my well posted on the mountain twelve miles west of 
• Frederick city, and four miles from Middletown, and 
the Union veterans of the Peninsula, hurried up to 
meet him. Reachmg the foot of the mountain after a 
hurried march, we file to the right, then face to the 
front, and begin the ascent of the mountain. Onward, 
upward we sweep, like a great tidal wave, the foot ot 
the last acclivity is reached, then with a cheer, we 
cross the stone wall in our front, and with a rush up 
through the corn field, then a short, desperate, decisive 
struggle, and the battle of South Mountain is won. 

Lieut. J. D. Sadler in command of the company fell 
while gallantly leading his men in this charge, and at 
the same moment Jere. Naylor and Peter Miller, were 
killed, while Lieut. H. N. Minnigh and several men 
were wounded, leaving the company without a com- 
missioned officer, Caj)t. Stewart still bemg absent, on 
account of wounds. 



20 Battle of Antietam. 

On September 17th, the command was at Antietam, 
and took its place in Ime, though the company only 
numbered ten or twelve men for duty, and were led by 
Serg'tKitzmiller, and fortunately no crsualties occur- 
red, during that terrible struggle. 



CHAPTER yil. 
Forward once more. 

THE COMPANY has now been in active ser- 
vice one year, and the ranks are reduced from 
94 to a mere guard of 30 present for duty, not 
one-third of the number is left, while the Penn'a Re- 
serves, by the fatalities of warfare are reduced from the 
original 15,000 to barely 4,000 for duty. 

The command went into camp near Sharpsburg, 
where 2nd Lieut. Minnigh was promoted to 1st Lieut. 
and Serg't Kitzmiller to 2nd Lieut, and Capt. Stewart 
returned to the company from Gen'l Hospital. 

Breaking camp orice more on October 30th, we re- 
crossed the Potomac at Berlin ferry, going southward, 
through Lovettsville, Warrenton, Rappahannock sta- 
tion, and finally go into camp at Fredericksburg. 



Detailed at Brooks' Station. 21 

While Jiere, and before the Fredericksburg cam- 
paign opened, Co. K, was detailed on special dnty at 
Brooks' station, on the Aquia creek rail-road, and as 
a consequence did not participate in the Battle ot the 
loth of December, in which the Penn'a Reserves once 
more distinguished themselves, making a charge, that 
for dash and daring, has not a parallel in the entire 
history of the war. Of this charge a distinguished 
writer says, '>They broke through two well entrenched 
lines of the enemy, and accomplished what was expec- 
ted of them, but for want of support they were compel- 
ed to retire.'^ The loss in this assault was 176 killed, 
1 197 wounded and 468 missing, a total loss of 184 1, 
out of a possible 4500, two-fifths of the total loss repor- 
ted in said battle. The detail of the compainy with the 
ambulance corps, did duty on the field. 

On February 8th, the whole command was relieved 
from the front, and transferred to the defences of the 
city of Washington, to afford an opportunity, it was 
said, to recruit our decimated ranks and wasted ener- 
gies, but as the event proved, in the 1st Regiment at 
least, to perform more arduous duty than we had done 
when with the main army. Our camp was located ©n 
the north bank of the historic Bull-run, and finally at 
Fairfax court-house. It was here the famous Photo 
of company K. was taken, June 4th, 1863. 



22 On to Gettysburg. 

The battle of Chancellorsville, was foii^:;ht on May 
2nd, and when the Army of the Potomac followed on 
the flank of i.ee'b forces which were moving northward, 
we rejoined our old comrades, in pursuit of the enemy. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Gettysburg. 

HAVING crossed the Potomac at Edward's ferry ^ 
a continuous march on June 28, 29, 30 and July 
I. and 2, brought us to Gettysburg our own na- 
tive town, and Home. Before reaching Gettysburg we 
heard various rumors of the investment ofourhomeby 
the enemy. One incident may be related here; When 
approaching the familliar haunts ©f former days, and 
some of the company began to recogize well known 
faces, though themselves unknown, it was amusing to 
note the surprise of the citizens, upon hearing their 
names deliberately called out by the unknown soldiers. 
One aged citizen when convined of identity of his own 
nephew, said <*Vy Chon, for vat de dtfil you left dem 
repel soljers gum up heyr, Hey?" John's reply was, 
•'Why! Uncle Sam, it was all planned out so that 1 
could get home to see my Mammy." 

To lav ioking aside, it was a serious matter to be 



Fighting at Home. 



^>.'A 



thus summoned in defence of our own homes. We had 
gone out two years before, to conquer the enemy on 
his own soil, but were now returning, after two years 
of struggle, to meet him face to face at our own door. 
WhMt the feeling of each member of the company was, 
imder these circumstances, may be better imagined than 
described, for we had seen enough of the ravages of 
warfare in the south-land, to cause us to be anxious 
for the welfare of our loved ones, now exposed in like 
manner. 

As we neared Gettysburg, in a number of instances 
we passed near the homes of relatives and friends, but 
with the merest greeting, the boys kept their places in 
the ranks. Reaching the summit of the hill east of the 
town, the members of the company, with a few excep- 
tions, could see their homes, in the village before them, 
in the immediate vicinity or in the distance, and all of 
them within the enemy's lines. 

We reached Gettysburg on the morning of July 2nd, 
coming from the direction of Hanover, and moving to 
the left went into bivouac near the Baltimore pike, one 
mile east of Cemetery ridge. Fatigued by the long 
and weary marches, we soon were oblivious to all sur- 
roundmgs, wrapped in restful slumber, unbroken even 
by the terrible flighting at Gulp's hill and Cemetery 
ridge, on our immediate right and front. 



24 Gkttysburg. 

About 4 o'clock we were hurriedly called into line, 
and ordered to sling knapsacks, which command to us 
always meant, ''get ready for quick and devilish work," 
as "Snap" put it. We were hurried at a double quick 
to the exteeme left, at the Round tops, to re-inforce 
the 3rd Corps, which had met with reverses and was 
being driven by the enemy. Gen.Sykes' Regulars had 
previously gone to the support of Sickles, but had also 
yielded the ground. A terrible crisis was now seeming- 
ly inevitable. The Regulars were the last to yield the 
ground, but being flanked on iheir left, they broke 
and fell back in disorder. At this juncture, we came 
upon the gr«jund. The First Brigade, formed hurried- 
ly in brigade front, as best they could, the nature of 
the ground compelling the regunents to overlap each 
other to some extent, on the crest of Little Round top, 
facing the Wheat field. As we thus formed, we looked 
down over the field of carnage, and could hear the 
victorious shouts of the enemy, and when the smoke 
of battle lifted momentarily, we caught glimpses of 
fleeing friends and hotly pursuing foes, the general 
outlook being anything but assuring. 

We deliberately waited till the front was cleared of 
our retreating and vanquished troops, many of whom 
passed pell-mell through our ranks, then at the word 
of command, with a ringing cheer, peculiarly our own, 



Charge ot the First Brigade. ii5 

we swept down the face ot the hill, meeting the rebels 
as they came rushing forward, on the face of the hill. 
(I can only speak for my own regiment.) There can 
be no doubt in any unprejudiced mind, that a few mo- 
ments delay would have lost to us the position on 
Little Round Top, the key of the battle-field. The so 
called historian of the battle-field, asserts that there 
were no rebels m our front when we charged forward. 
Nonesense ! the evidence of those who were there, we 
think, should have more weight than that of a mere 
citizen hundreds of miles away from the field of strife. 
Well, with a quick dash we swept down into the valley, 
across Plum -run swamp, over the valley and up to the 
stone fence, across this fence and through a narrow 
strip of woods, (now removed,) to the eastern edge of 
the wheat-field, where, by orders, we halted. 

It has always been a source of amusement to the 
"boys" who cha^^ed many a rabbit all over these hills, 
and gathered berries in these valleys, played ''hide 
and seek" among these rocks and boulders, to be told 
by strangers and pretenders, where we were, on the 
evening of July 2nd, when the enemy had almost seiz- 
ed this strong-hold, at the Round Tops. 

The comrades will remember the commander of the 
battery in our immediate front, who raved and swore, 
when it seemed as if his guns would be taken. 



26 The 'I'hird day at CTCttysburg. 

*'Dunder and blixeii., don't let dem repels tookniy 
batteries," were his earnest words of appeal, as the 
enemy hurried up to the position occupied by his bat- 
tery, and how, the next morning he came over to the 
stone wall and said, "The Pennsylvania Reserves 

saved mine pattery, by . I gets you fellers all 

drunk mit beer." 

During the night of the 2nd, and all day of the 3rd 
till Pickets' charge ended, we remained at the stone 
wall, being compelled all the while to "lay low" on 
account of rebel sharp-shooters in our immediate front. 

Pickets charge having failed, Gen. Meade ordered 
Crawford to clean out the woods in our front, and Mc 
Candles's (our) brigade at the word of command, leap- 
ed over the wall and deliberately dressed their lines. 
Skirmishers were deployed to the front, right and left, 
and the charge was made diagonally over the wheat- 
field to the southwest, to the woods on the west side, 
then half-wheeled to the right, then on up through the 
woods to the crest of the hill, driving the enemy out 
of the woods in the direction cf the Peach-orchard. 
The rebels at this juncture threatening our left flank. 
the column changed direction by left flank to the rear, 
and in this new direction we charged forward again. 
Down through the low land, then up through the 
woods east of the Rose house, surprising and capturing 



Some gT) home. 27 

many prisoners, over three thousand nmskets, and the 
colors of the Fifteenth Georgia regiment. 

We bivouaced at night in the edge of Rose's woods, 
and abont noon being relieved, we moved back to the 
stone wall, and then to the rear of Little Round Top, 
where we went into bivouac, the battle being ended. 

A few of the boys of Co. K, now went honie, with or 
without leave, and who will blame them, each one re- 
turning in time to join in pursuit of the rebel horde as 
thev fled southward from Gettysburg. 

CHAPTER IX. 

In ])ursuit of the rebels. 

E FOLLOWED the enemy closely in his re- 
tieat, keeping on his flank, and on July nth, 
found him entrenched at Williamsport, Md. 
on the Potomac River. 

On the 14th, when an advance was ordered upon 
these works, they were found abandoned, the enemy 
having re-crossed the river on the night of the 13th. 

We followed on in due time, and soon found our- 
selves once morC; back on the old line 6f the Rappa- 
liannock in Virginia, where after a most wearisome 
campaign, we went into camp. 




28 The Mine-run campaign. 

About the middle of October, the enemy made an 
attempt to get between the federal forces and Wash- 
ington city, but Gen. Meade defeated his purposes, 
and Lee went back to his old haunts beyond the Rap- 
idan river. 

November 6th, the Mine-run campaign opened, but 
beside constant skirmishing and several brisk battles, 
by portions of the army, nothing of importance was 
accomplished, and we returned to our old position on 
December 2nd. 

During the balance of the winter of '63, '64, we 
were encamped at Bristow station, on the Orange and 
Alexandria Rail-road, and guarded well a portion of 
the line of communication. 



CHAPTER X. 

The Wilderness campaign* 

APRIL 29th, we pulled up stakes again,, and 
entered upon our last campaign. We broke 
camp and marched to Warrenton, a distance 
of thirty miles, and on the next morning continued on 
in the direction of Culpepper, and rejoined our old 
comrades of the main army, in the evening of that day. 



Au important movement. li9 

We all knew that \vc were on the eve of an impor- 
tanr campaign, and one that would in all probability 
close the war. The soldiers were ver)'^ enthusiastic, and 
had the utmost confidence ni the two great comman- 
ders who were to lead them. 

On the 3rd of May there was great excitement in 
camp, and all anxiously waited for orders to move. 
The army had been reinforced, and everything now 
appeared to be in readiness to commence the campaign 
that was to end the war. 

Directly after midnight. May 4th, the reveille was 
beat, and was heard echoing and re-echoing all along 
the line of camps, and soon after the great movement 
against the rebel capitol had begun. Our corps (the 
Fifth) moved in the direction of Germania ford on the 
Rapidan river, and having crossed at that point, we 
marched until four o'clock in the afternoon, when we 
halted for the night, havmg marched fully thirty miles. 
Our camp for the night was in the vicinity of the Wil- 
derness tavern. About sunrise on the 5th we continued 
the march but had not gone far, when we found the 
enemy in our front. Preparation was nnmediately 
made to give them battle. Our position was on the 
Lacy farm, until ten o'clock, when we moved to Par- 
ker's store and formed line of battle, our regiment and 
the Bucktails being on the extreme left. 



l\{) In the Wilderness. 

John W. Urban in his "Battlefield and Prison pen" 
says,, ''Capt. Wasson of Co. D, was ordered to take 
his company and move through the woods beyond for 
the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy's lines." This 
is an error. The party was made up of a special detail 
of twenty men, two from each company in the regi- 
ment. Captains Minnigh and Wasson were in charge, 
and the actual mission was entirely unknown to Capt. 
Wassoji, who was ordered to take charge of the men 
■AU(\ assist Capt. Minnigh, m the duty which had been 
secretly commimicated to him. Wasson, nor any of the 
m^n knew what was to be done. Fortunately, 1 have 
in my possession the order, delivered to me, at Divi- 
sion Head -quarters, on said occasion. This order reads 

as follows: — 

'•Captain, You will proceed, at once, to the front 
bearing slightly to the left, to the PUmk-road, and 
(if possible,) find out what troops are moving on it & 
in which direction they are moving." 
It was intimated at the same time, that the mission 
was of a jp(?c«h*«r character, and that Capt. Wasson, 
would obey my orders. 

Comrade Urban's description of our advance, is m 
the main correct, but when we found the enemy before 
us, 1 asked Cajjt. Wasson to withdraw a few paces into 
the woods Ihrou-h which we had advanced, then and 



A Scouting party. 31 

there inforrnins: h'm of the orders placed in my hands. 
He be.cran at once to put jn air.s, (a habit of his,) and 
positively refused to obey my orders. He advanced 
the detail out into an open field, when one single shot 
stampeded the party, and they returned to our line, 
with the enemy on their heels. 

I abandoned the detail hastily, and moving toward 
the left parallel with the Plank-road, soon discovered 
the enemy on- that road, moving toward the extreme 
right of the position occupied by the Union army, 
which movement culminated in the attack on the out- 
post position occupied by the Penn'a reserves, and 
upon the Sixth corps later on. 

Having accomplished my mission, I had no trouble 
in getting back to our line, and reported to Head- 
quarters, when the advance at the Parker house had 
been forced back to the main line, and when the Sev- 
enth Reserves had been captured. My impression has 
always been, that if Capt. Wasson had heeded my ad- 
vice, the enemy would not have made the advance on 
our front at Parker's, and the Seventh regiment would 
not have been taken prisoners. I do not fear to speak 
upon this point, as the question has been considerably 
agitated, as to what led to the capture referred to. 

If Co. D, was sent out on a reconnisance, as stated 
by Urban. lam unacquainted with the fact. 



32 That Scouting party. 

Urban also says, that subsequently, "Lieut. Wilder, 
(we presume he means Weidler,) and ten men were 
sent on a reconnoisance in the same direction, and en- 
countered the enemy, and after being driven back, 
Companies C and K were sent to dislodge them; but 
finding the enemy in strong force, fell back in haste to 
our lines." 

It IS not our object to contradict this last quotation, 
but it does seem to us, that this jumble of details from 
one single regiment, out of a whole division, needs an 
explanation at least. 

A single proof of the correctness of the statement I 
have here made, is this: — C^en'l Crawford was much 
surprised when I reported to hira, all begrimmed with 
dirt and smoke,, having passed through the burning 
woods on my return to our line. Having reported, he 

said, "We never expected to see you again, 

but, your service shall be duly reported to the Secre- 
tary of war." This may account for the peculiar word- 
ding of the Commission as Brevet-Major, now in my 
possession, which reads as follows: — '\f or gallant and 
meritorious services in the Wilderness campaign, 
Virginia, May 5,. 1864." Here we leave this subject. 

Safely l)ack to the La<:y larm we rested for the night, 
wailing anxiously lor ilie dawning of another day, that 
thr- trriil>U- (Ontlict luitihi be cuntinued. 



The B:ut]t iliU undecided. 33 

Karly on thtr morning ut" the 6th, the rebel forces 
were concentrated against Hancock on the left, where 
a terrible battle raged nearly all day. Such a contin- 
uous roar of musketry, inasmuch as artillery could not 
be used, we never heard in all our experience before. 

During the heavy fighting on the left, we became 
engaged with the enemy in our front, driving them 
back, and in the evening started to the aid Hancock, 
but not being needed we returned to our old position. 

Under cover of the night, Lee rapidly moved a 
heavy column forward, and hurled them on our extreme 
right. Our division was ordered to the support of 
Sedgwick, whose communication had been severed 
from the main army. In the darkness we felt our way 
cautiously/ but our services were not needed, as the 
Sixth corps had stopped the advance of the enemy, so 
we returned to our former position. 

And now one of the peculiar movements, from the 
right to the left flank commenced, preserving all the 
while an unbroken front. 

We moved slowly during the night of the 6th, but as 
the new day dawned we moved faster, and by nine or 
ten o'clock it Wc<s ;i double-quick. It was said to have 
been a race between Grant and Lee for position at 
Spottsylvania Court House, and Lee won the race, se- 
curing the position, ha'-'inghad the inside track. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Spottsylvaiiia. 

THE CAVALRY struck the rebel column, and 
skirmished until the advance troops (5th corps) 
arrived, and took their place. 
It was with difficulty that our division was brought 
into line, owing ta the shattered condition of our ranks, 
ca^ised by^ the double-quick, but a critical moment had 
arrived, and with a cheer the men dashed forward, 
re -taking the ground lost by Robinson's division. But 
in the charge, as usual, we advanced too far, and were 
ill danger of hemg flanked, so we were ordered back 
to our line, where we lay on our arms till six o'clock. 
The whole army had now arrived, and the order 

war given to advance. The enemy yielded, and the 
first Ime of entrenchments was carried, and they fell 

back to a strongly fortified position, from which they 
could not be driven. Soon alter our brigade made a 
dash upon the enemy in our front, (unauthorized, it is 
said,) but there being no co-operation by other troops, 
we skerried back again. Col Talley commanding the 
brigade, and several hundred men having been taken 
].)risoners. 



Battle of Spottsylvania, 35 

At 8 a.m. on the 9th, we moved to the right -centre 
of the line, and were ordered to throw up Rifle-pits, 
which Pensyl, in the emphatic language he generally 
used, said, were '<d — d beautiful works for somebody- 
else to fight behind." George uttered truthful words, 
if they were a little profane, for, while we built many 
defensive works of various kinds, I do not remember 
that we ever actually fought in such works. 

Skirmishing, with an occasional undecisive struggle 
for the mastery, now continued for several days, during 
which we were called upon to charge on certain works 
in our front, but owing to the fact that every man un- 
derstood that the charge was ordered as a mere feint 
to cover some other movement, it was not pressed. 

On the 1 8th, we swung round to the left, and were 
sent forward on the skirmish line. Just in our front, 
possibly fifty yards off, the rebel skirmishers occupied 
an excellent line of rifle-pits, while we had no cover 
except that afforded by nature. An order was given to 
advance the line, which order was intended for other 
points on the line and not for us it seems, when John 
W. Shipley in the attempt to obey orders, was struck 
by a rebel ball, and was instantly killed. We had the 
satisfaction of knowing a moment later, that the same 
rebel was killed by Shipley's especial friend Geo. W. 
Pensyl. We burried Shipley near where he fell. 



CHAPTER Xir. 

Noitli Anna river, 

GEN. LEE withdrew his forces to a strong posi- 
tion south of the North Anna river, and Gen' I 
Grant followed with the Union army in quick 
pursuit. We reached the river and crossed at Jericho 
ford on the 23rd, and spent three days in reconnoiter- 
ing the position of the enemy, and then by a flank 
movement to the left, compelled Lee to abandon the 
strong position he had taken. 

The Union army crossed the Pamunky river on the 
2Sth of May, the F'lfth and Ninth corps crossing at 
Hanover Ferry, thus bringing us once more near the 
locality where the terrible sr:enes of 1862 were enacted. 
Communications were opened with White-house Land- 
ing, and a new base of supplies thus secured . 

Our Brigade on the 30th of May was sent otit on the 
Mechanicsville road, near Bethesda church, to prevent 
a possible surprise by the enemy from that direction. 
Having advanced a sliort distance we were formed in 
brigade front and ordered to throw up a barricade. 
Company K. soon did the work that fell to their lot, 
and every man soon was seeking to get what rest he 
could, under the shade of a convenient hedge fence. 



Bethesda church. 37 

We were aroused by the sliarp rattle of musketry on 
both flanks of the brigade, and discovered further, that 
the position had been abandoned, while we were sleep- 
ing, (an unheard -of thing, but easily explained,) and 
we were seemingly, alone on the line of breast -works. 
Quickly arousing the men, each hurriedly took in the 
situation, then, such skedadling to the rear was never 
seen before, ''every man for himself, and the de'il take 
the hindmost." All soon were gone except five. H. C. 
Elden. Cal. Hi.rbangh, A. H. Blocher, G. W. Pensyl 
and Capt. Minnigh, the three last named running the 
risk of capture, in their efforts to induce Harbaugh and 
Elden to run the gauntlet as their comrades had done. 
This they reiused to do, saying "I'll not do it; and be 
shot down like a dog." The situation was of course an 
awful one, for the rebels were now in our works on both 
flanks, and the lace for liberty must necessarily be in 
the range of every rebel musket. Turning to Pensyl, 
as the two men threw themselves on the ground, thus 
deciding the question, I said, <«Now let us skip out." 
Geo. \V. do you remember that foot-race? Hey? Do 
you mind the fence, all grown up with red briars, the 
"durned old haversack" filled with potatoes, that you 
wanted to get rid of, and could'nt? Well, we all got 
out sale, while Harbaugh and Elden were transferred 
to an awful southern prison. 



38 Our Last Battle. 

The Brigade now took up a new position, threw up 
a barricade, and awaited the advance of the enemy, 
who soon was seen, in a well dressed line of battle, 
emerging from the cover of the woods, two-hundred 
yards to the front. Orders were given not to fire one 
shot until the enemy reached the line of an old fence 
half- way across the open space between us. We never 
saw so deliberate an advance by the enemy, in all our 
three years experience, as this was. Brave specimen of 
American soldiery they were, consciously facing death, 
they came on. Two sections of a divided battery, one 
on the right the other on the left, with enfilading fire, 
opened on them, then the infantry added their missiles 
of destruction ; they come no further, a few turn and 
flee to the cover of the woods, the firing ceases and an 
advance is ordered, when the only enemy we find are 
the torn and shapeless forms, that literally cover the 
ground, they were ''annihilated." (Rebel records.) 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Homeward bound. 

HURRAH ! FOR HOME. This was the glad 
greeting, on the morning of June ist, when the 
order was issued for our return northward. 
We accordingly bade farewell to the Army of the 
Potomac, and to the comrades of the company who 
had veteranized, who were now assigned to the iQotTi 
Penn'a Veteran Volunteers, to serve their unexpired 
term of service. 

On the 2nd of June, we reached White house land- 
ing, and went aboard the transport George Weems at 
lo a. m. on the 3rd, and at 12 m. with three hearty 
cheers, started northward, and landed at Washington, 
D. C. on the 4th, at 4 o'clock p. m. 

On Sunday 5th at 11:30 a. m. wc left the National 
Capitol, and on the 6th arrived at Harrisburg, Pa. the 
Capitol of our native State 



40 A Royal Welcome home. 

We were the recipients of a Royal welcome when 
we disembarked at Harrisburg, but the joyous greeting 
can only be measured by the deep sorrow of many who 
received not back their loved ones. 

Three years before we as a Division of State troops, 
had gone forth fully 15.000 strong, and now we were 
merely a hand-full, then, full of life and buoyancy, 
now, war-worn and battle-scarred veterans. 

We proceeded to Philadelphia, and were finally 
mustered out of the service, on the 13th of June 1864= 

Company K. as a body returned to our native town 
(Gettysburg,) where a Banquet welcome, had been pre- 
pared for us, but owing to the face that it was deferred 
untiU evening, only a few remained to partake of the 
bounteous banquet, preferring the more humble spread 
that awaited them, in the homes where loved onessur- 
; rounded the board. 

Of the 110 who had gone forth, three years before, 
pnly 24 ROW retjUrned. , 

Some sleep peacefully in the unmarked graves of the 
south-land ; no tender hand wreaths flowers over these 
unknown graves, but the gentle zephyrs chant requiems 
continually, and around them the wild flowers bloom 
more beautiful and fragrant, because the soil was en- 
riched Idv their blood. Others after a rrianly struggle 
for life, yielded to disabilitv from wounds and disease. 



Closing remarks, 41 

We cherish the memory of our fallen comrades, and 
as one by one ^ye are summoned to join the great ma- 
jority, we hope to meet them again, and to stand side 
by side, in nobler array, with the brave and true and 
tried who were our comrades here, and who so well 
performed their work on the battle-fields of this life. 

And when the trumpet shall be heard, not calling 
to fields of conflict, but to rewards for deeds well done, 
may we all be found sharing the victory won by Him, 
"who died that we might live." 



Historical Record 

OF THE MEMBERS 

Of Co. K. 1st P. R. Y. C 




AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

While it is somewhat of a delicate matter, to write 
up this Historical Record of individuals, yet we think 
it should be a part of the purpose intended by this 
volume. We take up the membership of the company, 
according to rank: First, the Commissioned Officers, 
in the order of seniority^ Second, the non-Commis- 
sioned officers, as found on the rolls at date of muster 
oui, Third, the members of the company in alphabet- 
ical order. 



HISTORICAL RECORD. 



Captain Edivard McPherson. 

To Captain McPherson, presumably, belongs the 
credit of organizing Company K. He served as its com- 
mander until August 24th, 1 86 1, when he resigned, to 
take his seat in the First Session of the Thirty-seventh 
Congress, which convened at Washington, on the 4th 
of July 1861. On the adjournment of that body, he 
reported for duty, as a volunteer aid on the staff of 
Gen'l McCall, commanding the Penn 'a Reserves, and 
served as such until November, when the Second ses- 
sion of said congress convened. While a Staff-ofticer, 
he was a convenient intermediary, between the Divi- 
sion and the Executive department at Washington, to 
which he had ready access by reason of his represent- 
ative capacity. 



2 Historical Record. 



McPherson. Bailey. 



Being Inspector general on the staff, he visited each 
Regiment and Battery of the command, and reported 
Its condition as to organization, health, arms and effi- 
ciency, which report was transmitted regularly each 
week, to army Head -quarters. During his term as con- 
gressman he was a member of the commute on mili- 
tary affairs. He was Clerk of the House of Represent- 
atives, after his term as a member expired, and is now 
serving in that capacity. His residence, when at 
home, is Gettysburg, Pa. 



Captain J. Findky Bailey. 

At the organization of the company Capt. Bailey 
was made ist Lieutenant, and succeeded McPherson, 
to the Captaincy, to date September ist 1861. 

Bailey was a born soldier, a strict disciplinarian, at 
all times seemingly stern, yet easily approached, and 
much beloved by every one. 

At the battle of Charles city cross roads, June 30th 
1862, he led the company in a general charge against 
the enemy. When last seen he was pressing forward m 
pursuit of fleeing foe, and when the recall was sound- 
ed, Capt. Bailey did not return, and from ih^t hour to 



MisLorical Record. 



Bailey. Stewart. 



the present he has never been heard of. What his fate 
was, we dare scarcely permit ourselves even to guess. 
But if he fell, it was facing the foe, and doing noble 
service, nnd dyiiig a soldiers glorious death. 



C(iptai?i W, Warreti JStewari. 

Captain Stewart was made Orderly Sergeant ot 
the company at its organization, and served hs such 
until the promotion attending the resignation of Mc- 
Pherson took ])lace, when he was chosen ist Lieuten 
ant, to date September 3rd 186 1. Soon afterward he 
v/as appointed Adjutant of the P.egiment, and served 
as such until June 30th 1862, when he was severely 
wounded, and was finally sent to the Gen'l Hospital, 
at David's Island, N. Y. where he remained until the 
early part of October following, when he returned to , 
the company encamped at Sharpsbiirg, Md. During 
his absence from the company he was promoted to the 
Cai)taincy, vice Bailey, who was reported killed, and 
mustered to date June 30th 1862. He now remained 
in command of the company until the general promo- 
tion took place in the early part of 1863, when he was 
commiiisioned Lieut. Colonel, to date March 7th 1863, 



Historical Record. 



Stewart. Minni;:rh. 



Ste\v.art had a firm hold upon the hearts and affec- 
tions of the whole regiment, and as he served in a reg- 
imental capacity most of the time, he was popular in 
the Division. While he was qualified to command, he 
possessed, at the same time_. excellent clerical and ex- 
ecutive ability. He was mustered out with the regi- 
ment, June 13.1864, and soon after was ap| ointed 
Colonel, and had command of the 212th Regiment, 
Penn'a Volunteers, which position he held to the close 
of the war. Professionally, he is a civil engineer, and 
finds constant employment in that vocation. 

His residence and P. O. address is York Springs, Pa. 



Captain Henry N. Minnigh. 

Capt. Minnigh recorded his name on the register 
of the company only a few hours before it left Gettys- 
burg, and therefore had no part in the ''getting up" of 
Co. K, having enlisted as '< a high private in the rear 
rank." When the company was fully organized at 
Camp Wayne, he was appointed Fourth Serg't, and 
at Camp Tennally, September 3. 1861, he was promo- 
ted to Orderly Sergeant, by Col. R. Biddle Roberts, 
and held the position till after the Peninsula campaign. 



Historical Record, 5 



Minnigh. 



He was promoted to 2nd Lieut, and was mustered 
as such, to date June 30. 1862. Immediately after his 
promotion, he was ordered to report to the officer in 
charge of the Division amlulance corps, for duty with 
said corps, I ut b) special request he was excused from 
that duty, and he remained with the company. 

Frequently, w,-s it made the especial work of Capt. 
Mmnigh, to te sent out on a scouting expedition, or 
a rec(.nnoi5>ance with a detail of picked men, and he 
can ret.ount some daring and dangerous adventures, 
through which he passed while performing such duty. 

At the battle of South mountain September 14. '62, 
he was wour.ded by a minnie ball, through the left arm 
near the shoulder, at the same instant that Lieut. Sad- 
ler was killed, thus leaving the company without a 
commissioned officer. He was absent from the com- 
mand, just three weeks. 

On M.irchy. 1863, he was promoted to ist Lieut, 
and or. October 27. to Captam, both commissions are 
however dated March 7. 

In reference to Capt. Minnigh's character as a sol- 
d'er and a commanding officer, we quote from manu- 
scripts in our possession. Rob't T. McKinney says, 
"I can never forget the Captain's kmdness of heart. 



Historical Record. 



Minnigh. 



when in the service. Doubtless, he will remember how, 
when on the march, lie used to come from the right of 
the company to the left where I was, and kindly, ask 
how I was pulling through, then seeing my feeble con- 
dition, lie demanded my arms and equipments, and 
and also the knapsack, strapped them on his own tired 
body, and then ordering me to march outside of the 
ranks, took his place in the company, and carred my 
burdens through a weary march for 48 hours." 

Wm. T Jobe says, '' As a soldier, Capt. Minnigh's 
record is an enviable one, he led the company with 
gallantry and spirit on all occasions, securing the com- 
mendations of his superior ofiicers, for bravery ?nd 
good behavior, under trying circumstances." 

He is the possessor of a commission as Tirev.- Major, 
signed by the President of the United States. 

Having been mustered out with the company, June 
13. 1864, he preceded to Washington, and accepted a 
clerkship in the War department, where he. served till 
August 9. 1866, when he returned to his native county 
and engaged in teaching. 

In the spring of 187 1, he entered the ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and has been laboring 
successfully in the Itinerancy since that time. 



Historical Record. 



Sadler. 



Lieut. J. Vurhin Sadler. 

Lieutenant Sadler' at the organization of the com- 
pany was appointed First Corporal. August 22, he was 
chosen 2nd Lieut, vice Herron resigned, and served as 
such until September 30. 1862, when he was appointed 
ist Lieut, to succeed Stewart promoted. 

It is sad to record the sacrmce of one who lived so 
nobije a life, for when Lieut. Sadler fell, the company 
we think, lost its best commanding officer. Sadler was 
killed by a minnie ball, in the battle of South moun- 
tain September 14. 1862, while gallantly leading the 
command in the final charge, which drove the enemy 
from the summit and gave the victory to our forces. 

His body was removed to his home at York sprmgs, 
Pa. and was biu^ied with the honors of war, under the 
charge of Lieut. Minnigh, who in his wounded state ac- 
companied his remains and laid them to rest. 

He sleeps peacefully by the side of his ancestors, in 
the beautiful cemetery at Hampden, Pa. awaiting a 
glorious resurrection, which his pure and spotless life 
and character warrants. May we meet him again on 
the peaceful shore, beyond life's troubled river. 



Historical Record. 



Kitzmiller. Herron, 

Lieut George E. Kitzmiller. 

At the age of Twenty-one }ears Lieut. Kitzmiller 
entered the service as a private, at the organization 
of the company, and was made 7th Corporal on the 
3rd day of September 1861. No^■ember ist '62, he was 
promoted to Orderly Sergeant, vice Minnigh, and on 
March 7th 1863. he was mustered as 2nd Lieut, and 
finally as isi Lieut. October ist 1863. 

He was mustered out with th : company, June 13th 
1864, returned tc his heme Mt Ge;t}slurg ?nd there 
followed the business of Granite cutting for several 
years. He died on the 12th day of March 1S74. 

Lieut. Kitzmilh r was a good officer, was well liked 
by all, and looked well after the interests of the com- 
pany, in whatever capacity he served. 



Lieut. J. J, Herron. 

Lieut. Herron was an Attorney at Gettysburg, 
when the company was formed, and was elected to the 
office of 2nd Lieutenant. 

On August 17. just when we were calltd into active 
service he resigned. It was reported that he subse- 
quently did good service m the army elsewhere. 



Historical Record. 



Brandon J. C. Young. 

Lieut. John C, Brandon. 

At the organization of the company, J. C Brandon 
enlisted as a private, and on November ist 1862, he 
was promoted to 5 th Sergeant. October ist '63, he was 
made 2nd Sergeant, and soon afterward on recommen- 
dation, received a commission as 2nd Lieut, but wns 
never mustered as such, owing to the fact that the com- 
pany was below the minimum in number. 

Sergt. Brandon was detailed with the Ambulance 
corps, in June '6T,y and again in April '64, and was 
also for a short time, at Regimental Head -quarters, on 
detailed duty. He was mustered out with the company 
June 13. 1864, when he returned home and engaged 
in farmmg. Eventually he drifted westward and loca- 
ted at Salt springs, Missouri. 



Samuel A. Young, Orderly jSeryi. 

Samuel A. Young, was a Drug clerk at the out- 
break of the war, and at the age of twenty, enlisted on 
June 8, 1861. His promotions, date as follows: — 5th 
corporal July 26. 1861, 3rd corporal November 1. '62, 
Orderly sergt. March 7. 1863. 



Historical Record. 




Sergt. Young filed well every position in which he 
was placed, and as an Orderly 1 e was a treasure. The 
books were neatly kept and always at hand, as he had 
a habit ot carrying those most needed in his knapsack. 
He was wounded near Fredericsburg, early in '62, 
by the accidental discharge of his musket. For some 
time he was detailed a. Sergeant of the guard at Gen'l 
Reynold's head -quarters, and was also detailed on re- 
cruiting service under Capt. Dobson. He was mustered 
out with the company, and soon afterward found his 
way to the west, and located in Iowa; he is growing up 
with the country, and is in the Merchantile business at^ 
Penora, Guthrie Co. Iowa. 

James McGonigle. '2n(l Sergeant 

James McGonigle, entered the service as a private 

at the organization of the company, -being nineteen 

years of age and a mason by trade. On November ist 

'62, he was promoted to 2nd Corporal, and March l^.t 

'63, to 2nd Sergeant. As a non-commissioned officer 

be attended strictly to his duty, and wis honorably 

mustered out with the company. We believe he is still 

living, but we could not secure his present address. 



Historical Record. li 

Harhau.£rh P. S. Miller M. M. 



Teter S. Harhaugh. 3rd Sergeant. 

At the age of twenty-two, Sergt. Harbaugh joined 
the company as a volunteer, at Camp Tennally Sep't 
20. 1861. November I. '62, he wasmade6th(,'orporal, 
and October i. '63, 3rd Sergeunt. 

February loth '64, he re-enlisted, and took sick 
when home on veteran furlough, but when sufficiently 
recovered, reported to Camp distribution, and was at 
once sent to Auger Gen'l hospital, Va. In the hospital 
he was placed on duty in the laundry, and remained 
there till Feb'y 9. '65, when he was discharged on a 
surgeons certificate of disability. He is constantly a 
sufferer, on account of the disability contracted in the 
service. Address, — Fairfield, Adams Co. Pa. 



Michael M. Miller. 4:th Sergeant. 

Michael M. Miller, a citizen of Gettysburg and a 
Painter by occupation, was recruited June 28. '61; he 
was promoted to 3rd Corporal November i. '62, and 
to 4th Sergeant March 7. '63. Bemg mustered out with 
th'j company, he returned to Gettysburg, and followed 
his trade. He died August 5. 1877. 



X2 Historical Record. 



Hamilton^ Beamer. Culbertson. 



Joi^eph Hamilton. 1st Corporal. 

Hamilton wns a volunteer recruit, September 3rd 
1861. On November i. '62, he was promoted to 8th 
Corporal, and on October i. '63, to ist Corporal. 

Joe was a No I. soldier, and could be depended on 
under any circumstance! At the battle of Mechanics- 
ville June 26. '62, he was severely wounded, and was 
sent to the Gen'l hospital from wich he returned Sept. 
27, '63. At the muster out of the company he was trans- 
ferred to the 190. Penn'a V. Volunteers, to serve the 
unexpired term. Address :— Seven Stars, Pa. 

Harry H. Beamer. 2nd Corporal. 

Beamer joined the company at its organization, 
and was made 2nd Corporal March 7, '63. He was a 
soldier that - never shirked duty, and was always on 
hand." At the muster out of the company he retired 
to his home near Gettysburg, and finally went west. 

James F. Culbertson. :^ra Corporal 

Culbertson was one of the original members of the 
company, and was made 3rd Corporal March 7, 1863- 
He was severely wounded at Gettysburg July 3, '63. 
Jim was a good soldier. P. O. aidress:— York, Pa. 



Historical Record. 13 



Carson. Baker. Mackley. 



George G. Gar son. Uh Gorporal. 

Carson, entered the service with company as a 
private, and was promoted to 4th Corporal, March 7, 
1863. He was wounded at Gaines' Hill, during the 
Seven day's battles, and was finally mustered out with 
the company. '*Kit" was a valiant soldier, and did 
his work well in all the sphere ot soldierly warfare; 
he dearly loved a cup of hot coffee, and knew how to 
get the best the sutler or commissary afforded. 

He still enjoys the good thmgs of life, and for sub- 
stantial proof, call on him at Uriah P, O. Cumberland 
County, Penn'a. 

Joseph S. Baker. 5th Corporal 

Baker, entered the service July 19. '61, leaving 
his vocation, that of Brick-laying, for his country's 
service. He was made 5th Corporal, March 7. '63, 
veteranized, February 10. '64. and was transferred to 

the 190 P. V. VoPs, at the muster out of the company. 

♦ 

John F, Mackley. 6th Gorporal 

Mackley, enlisted June 8. '61, at the age of twen- 
ty, and was promoted to 6th Corporal, March 7, '63. 
He was mustered out with the company, and now 
resides in the oil regions of Penn'a. 



14 Historical Record. 

McKinney. Slagle. 

Robert T. McKinney. 1th Corporal, 

McKinney, was a volunteer recruit, mustered in 
on August 28. '61, and was made 7th Corporal, Octo- 
ber I, '63. During the term of service he was several 
times detailed on duty with the Division provost guard. 
At the muster out of the company he was transferred 
to the 190 P. v. Vol's, to serA-e the unexpired term, 
and was mustered out on the battle-field, near reams 
station, Va. August 27, 1864. In 1876, he entered the 
ministry of the Baptist church but on account of failing 
health was compelled to leave the work He is now 
serving his second enlistment, and is at this time, the 
Orderly of Co. D. 12th Reg't, N. G. of Penn'a. 
Address : — Williamsport, Pa. 

Andrew A. Slagle. Sth Corporal. 

Slagle, was one of the original members of Co. K, 
and was promoted Sth Corporal to date, October i. 
'63. We cheerfully record the fact, that Slagle was 
one of our most moral and upright men, and a model 
of piety under every circumstance, and while he was 
one of our oldest members, his influence was most sal- 
utary in restraining the younger. He was mustered 
out with the companv, and resides at Hanover. Pa. 



Historical Record, 16 

Gilbert. Arendt. Beales. 

Charles E. Oilhert. Musician. 

Enlisted June 8. 1861. Age 22, and a coach- ma- 
ker by trade. Was a Drummer from the beginning to 
the ending of the war. Re -enlisted on February 10. '64, 
and was transferred to the 190 Pa. Vet. Vol's, at the 
muster out of the company, and was finally discharged 
July 3. '65. Charlie frequently did duty in assisting 
the wounded on the battle field, but always claimed 
that he enlisted as a musician. Since his service ended, 
he has been a guide on the Battle-field of Gettysburg, 



— Are7idt Jacob, was a volunteer recruit September 
4, '61. He was a good soldier, and was wounded at 
Gettysburg on the second day. At muster out of the 
company he was transferred to the 190 Pa. Vet. Vol's, 
to serve the unexpired term, and died soon after the 
war, but unfortunately, v/e have no dates. 



— Beales Charlen W. joined the company at its 
origin, was then nineteen years of age and a miller by 
occupation. He was mustered out with the company, 
and resides at York Springs, Penn'a. 



1(5 Historical Record. 

Beard. Bingaman S. Bingaman D. Blocher. 

— Beard Obadiah M. enlisted June 8. '6i, was a 
harness-maker by trade, and 33 years of age. On Feb- 
ruary 10. '64, he re -enlisted, and when the company 
was mustered out he was transferred to the 190 Pa. v. 
vol's. We have entirely lost sight of Beard, and know 
not whether he be living or dead. 

— Bingaman Samuel, went out with the company, 
and did good service ; he was on detailed service for 
a while with the provost-guard in August '63, and was 
mustered out with the company. 

— Bingaman David, was one of original company, 
and did his duty A^ell until October 24. '62, when he 
deserted, and never returned to the company. 

— Blocher Andrew H. was recruited July 19, ^61. 
He was taken prisoner in the evening of June 30. '62, 
and exchanged in July. Was on detailed service for a 
while in July '63. In February ^64, he deMred to re- 
enlist, but did not pass examination. At muster out of 
the company he returned to his home at Bendersville, 
Penn'a, where he now resides. 

Si^ Andy was the best sharp-shooter in Co^ K. 



Historical Record. 17 



Brandon. Cassatt. Caufman Wm. H. 



— Brandon Imac 31., age twenty years, a farmer 
by occupation, enlisted June 8. ^bi, and was promoted 
7th Corporal July 26. '61, and to ist Corporal Sept. 
I, '61. He lost his rank when he peitioned for a trans- 
fer to another command, and said transfer was made 
by order of the Secretary of war, January 15. '63, to 
Co. H, 2nd Batt. 1 2th U. S. 1. to serve the unexpired 
term, and was finally mustered out June 8. '64. 
Address: — Paola, Kansas. 

— Cassatt Samuel J i enlisted June 8. '61. was 19 
years of age, and a Shoemaker by trade. He was very 
severely wounded on June 30. '62, and returned from 
Generil hospital November 13, '62. Re-enlisted Feb- 
ruary 10. '64, and at muster out of the company was 
transferred to the 190 Pa. Vet. Vol's. 

— Caufman Wm. H. age 24, and by occupation a 
clerk, enlisted June 8, '61. Was made 8th corporal on 
July 26, and 4th corporal September 3, '61. 

On account of disability we presume, he went to the 
hospital at David's Island N Y. and remained there in 
some capacity from July 9. '62, till muster out of the 
company. 



X8 Historical Record. 



liailcy. Caufman Chas. K. Chronister. L<>x. 



— Bailey Daniel D. enlisted June 8. '6i, was made 
a Corporal, and on September i. '6i, was transferred 
to the 1 2th Penn'a Reserves. 

— Caufman Charles E. aged twenty-two years, a 
farmer by occupation, enlisted June 8. '6i. At Charles 
City cross roads he was badly wounded, and fell into 
the hands of the enemy. His leg was amputated and 
having been exchanged as a prisoner, he was discharg- 
ed November 3. '62, by order of Brig.-Gen'l Harvey 
Brown. 

— Chronister Amos, went out at the organization 
of the company, was a farmer, and twenty -two years 
of age. By Spec, order No. 28, Hd, qr, First brigade, 
he was detailed with the ammunition train as a driver, 
Feb'y 3. '64 but soon returned to the co. by spec, order. 
Re-enlisted February 10. '64, and at muster out of the 
CO. was transferred to the 190 Pa. Vet. Vol's. 

— Cox George W- was recruited July 19. '61, was 
a farmer, and 19 years of age. He served continuous- 
ly with the CO. and was mustered out with it, June 13, 
1 864. He was one of our quiet and steady members. 



Historical Record. 19 

Creamer. Devine. Dixon Wm. Dixon Sam'l. 

— Crsamer J'*hn T. enlisted June 8. ^61, was a 
cuarh -maker aged 29 years. Served with the company 
till after the battle of Gettysburg, and was then sent to 
Mt. Pleasant Gen' 1 hospital, Washington, D. C. where 
he died, December 21. 1863. 

— Devine Bernard, joined June 8. '61, was a far- 
mer, and 39 years of age. He was detached with Bat- 
tery A. Penn'a Reserve artillery, by Spec, order, No. 
78. April 2. '62, where he served till mustered out on 
account of disability, February 19, 1863. 

Barney was the only Irishman in the company. 

— Dixon William, was a member of the company 
from the beginning, age 19 years and by occupation a 
laborer. Was discharged, December 24. 1861, on ac- 
count of physical disability. 

— Dixon Samtiel, a brother of Wm. also was a mem- 
ber of the original company, age eightteen years and 
a laborer by occupation. Was detailed with the pro- 
vost guard July 29. '63, for a brief space, and was fi- 
nally mustered out with the company. 

Nothing foolish about Sammy, but he was always there. 



20 Historical Record. 



Duey. 



Banner. Durboraw. 



— Duey John J. joined the company at its origin, 
and was made 2n.i Sergeant. He deserted from camp 
at Shargsburg, Md. and was reduced to the ranks, by 
order of Col. Roberts October 17. '62, and December 
29, returned to the company. In the Wilderness cam- 
paign he was notably brave and daring, and on the 
16th of May near Spottsylvania, he was very severely 
wounded by a minnie ball, and was sent to the hospi- 
tal. We heard that he died there, but no official notice 
of such fact was ever received. On December 29. '63, 
he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer. 

— Banner H. Knox, was a member of the company 
at its organization, and was made 7th Corporal Nov. 
1. '62, but on account of continued absence from the 
command, being sick in Gen'l hospital from July '62, 
to January '64, he was deposed from office. Is still 
suffering on account of disability contracted by a sun- 
stroke, during the Peninsula campaign. Was mustered 
out with the company and resides at York, Penn-a. 

— Dnrboratc Isaac N. went out with the company 
at its original organization, and was promoted to 6th 
Corporal July 26. '61, and 4th Sergeant Nov. t. -'62. 



Historical Record. 21 



Durboraw. 



Durboraw was a sympathetic man, and as sucli was 
always ready to assist the helpless; he took charge of 
Wisotskey when he received his terrible wound, and 
with ^:he assistc.nce of Beales, carried him from the field, 
and when he died, as the shades of evenin.c: fell, they 
scooped a grave and buried him; he also assisted in 
carrying Lt -Col. Mclntyre from the field, when he re- 
ceived the wound, from which he afterward died. He 
Wu5 slightly WDunied at Charles City crossroads, and 
by an accidental injury May 19. '63, when he was hit 
on the foot by a 12 pound cannon ball, tossed by some 
one, from which injury he has never fully recovered. 

Re applied for a transfer and was reduced to the 
n.nks, on October i. '63, and was finally transferred 
to the Signal Corps, by Spec, order, No. 317, Head 
quarters Army of the Potomac, November 1, 1863. 

On June 9. '64, he was discharged by reason of ex- 
piration of term, when he returned to his home, and 
resumed farming; has been a Surveyor and a Justice 
of the Peace for 25 years, and resides at the Durbo- 
raw homestead, in Mountjoy Township, Adams Co., 
Penn'a. Address :- Two Taverns, Pa. 

5^=- We are under especial obligation, to comrade 
Durboraw far valuable assistance in this work. 

(See reminiscences.) 



22 Historical Record. 

Elden. Eyster. 

— Elden Henry W. C, was recruited July 26, 1861. 
The recruiting officer (Sergt. Minnigh) refused to ac- 
cept him, being cnly 16 years of age, but ^e follc^ved 
to camp, and reporting his age as 18 years, was mus- 
tered in. Though ''Doc" was an excellent soldier, we 
must nevertheless record the tact of his being reported 
a deserter, not hrving returned to the company, when 
absence with leave expired. August 30. '63, he was 
sent back under arrest, having been absent from July 
6, '63. Charges were necessarily preferred, but by a 
special request made by Capt. Minnigh, he was releas- 
ed from arrest and all charges were withdrawn, on the 
29th of Oct, 1863. He re-enlisted as a Vet. Volun- 
teer December 29, 1863. At the battle of Bethesda 
church, June 30. '64, he was taken prisoner, (See page 
37,) and endured the horrors of Libby, Andersonville 
and Florence prisons, and died at the last named 
place, but we failed in securing dates. 

— Eyster Samuel H. aged 19, and a Silver smith 
by trade, was recruited July 19, '61. He was wound- 
ed at South mountain, September 14. '62, and was dis- 
charged from the service, at Frederick, Md, January 
19, '63, by order of Thos. S. McKenzie. 



Historical Record. 23 



Fanus. Foutz. Gardner R. P. Gardner A. F. 

— Fanns Hiram J. a laborer aged 20 years, joined 
the company at its organization. On March 25. 1863, 
he was discharged on account of physical disability, 
at Phil'a, and now resides at Idaville, Pa. 

— Foutz Adam, age 20, a laborer, enlisted June 
28. *6i, and deserted September 13. '62, arrested and 
sect back to the co. tried by court-mirtial, spec, order 
No. 10, Div. Hd-qrs, March 9. '64, and sentenced to 
forfeit all pay due, and $10 per month for ballance of 
his term, and to make up lost time, equivolent to, 13 
mo. and 25 days. Was transferred to the 190 P. V. V. 
to serve the unexpired term. 

— Gardner Richard P. was recruited July 19. '61, 
was a coach-mciker and 21 years of age. Deserted from 
hospital at Annapolis, December 16. '63, and never 
returned to the company. 

— Gardner Amos F. enlisted June 8. '61, aged 21, 
and a farmer by occupation. He deserted from Gen'l 
hospital at Washington, D. C. March 3. '63, vvas re- 
turned under arrest, February 12. '64, and at muster 
out of company was transferred to 190 P. V. Vol's. 



24 Historical Record. 



Gibbs. Hamilton C. Hart B. Hart L. J. 



— Gibhs George W. aged 20 years, a vheel-wright 
by trade, joined the company at its organizatijn ; h? 
was an excellent soldier, and he alwajb was ready for 
duty ; served the whole term, and was mustered out 
with the company. 

— Hamilton Calvin, was a volunteer recruit, Sept. 
4. '62. He was detailed with the ambulance corps, 
December 8. '62, and did excellent servict with said 
corps at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 

He was severely woimded at Gettysburg, July 2 '63, 
in the charge made by the Penn'a Reserves, and was 
on account of said wounds, transferred to Co. D, 12th 
Veteran Reserves, January 13. '63. and was discharg- 
at Point Lookout, June 29, '65. He is a Teacher pro- 
fessionally, and since Sept. i88y, he has been Supt. of 
the Gettysburg National Cemetery. 

— Hart Barnett, enlisted Ju le 8. '61. agod 39 ' r-^, 
and a mason by trade. Deserted, from J3rooks station 
Va. December 26. '62, and never returned to the co. 

— Hart Levi J. aged 27 years, and a mason by oc- 
cupation, went out with the conrpany. On June 16.. '62, 
he was discharged at Camp Pierpont, Ya. on account 
of physical disability. 



Historical Record. 26 



Harbaiia:h. Henry. Hildebrand. Holiinger. 



— Harbaugh Calvin, enlisted June 8, 1 86 1. Aged 19 
years, and by profession a laborer. Re-enlisted Feb'y 
10, '64. Was taken prisoner, May 30. '64, (see page 37,) 
and at muster out of go. was transferred to the 190 P. 
V. Vol's. Was in Libby prison, and when Lee surren- 
dered, he was at Andersonville. Returned home in 
June 1865, went to Kansas in 1867, and died soon 
afterward, 

— Henry Peter H. enisted at the origin of the com- 
pany, was 24 years of age, and by trade a miller. He 
was made 3rd Sergeant, and promoted to 2nd Serg't 
Nov. I. '62, and soon afterward reduced to the ranks 
for insubordination, by order of Col. Roberts. Was 
wounded at South mountain Sept. 14. '62, and dis- 
charged January 10. '63, at Frederick, Md. 

— Hildebrand John F. joined at organization, was 
19 years of age, and professionally a bar-keeper. He 
deserted from Gen'l hospital VVashington, D. C. March 
3. '63, and never returned to the company. 

— Holiinger Philip, a black -smith, aged 3o,jomcd 
June 8. '61, and was discharged December 22. *6i, at 
Camp Pierpont, Va. on account of dlsabilitv. 



26 Historical Record. 



Hortkins. Houck. Jacobs. Jobe. 



— Horilcins Henry, enlisted July 19. '61, age 37 
years, and a cabinet-maker by trade. The muster out 
roll reports him, j^reviously discharged, but no dates 
are given. 

— Eouck Philip L. enlisted June 8. 1861, and was 
made 2nd Corpordl, and September 3. '6', was jto- 
moted to 5th Sergeant. At Charles City cross roads, 
June 30. '62, he was severely wounded, and was dis- 
charged, September 12, '62. He af erwr.rd M^as elected 
to represent his native county, (Adams) in the Legis- 
lature. P. O. address, Gettysburg, Pa. 

— Jacobs John H. K. was 20 years of age, a plas- 
terer by trade, enlisted June 8, 1861. Was on detailed 
service with the Pioneer corps March 1864, and was 
much absent from the company on account of physical 
disability. After his muster out with the company, he 
resided at Shenandoah, Pa. till '76, when he went to 
Council Bluffs, Iowa, and to Omaha, Neb. in 1881, 
where he died February 3. 1891. 

— Jobe William T. went out with the company, in 
his 19th year and was a Blacksmith by trade; he was a 
true soldier; we think he never was absent from the co. 



Historical Record. 27 

Johns. Jones. Kcckler. Keim. 

He was mustered out with the company, and at the 
i>resent time holds a position in the Revenue service of 
the U. S. government. Address:- York Springs., Pa. 

— Johns David E. was a laborer, i8 years of age 
when he joined the company, at its first organization. 

Dave was a little unruly sometimes, but withall wa» 
a good soldier: he stuck to the company and was mus- 
tered out with it. 

— Jones Henry H. joined the company June 14. '61, 
and deserted near Waterford, Va., November 1. ^62, 
was returned to the co, under arrest, August 30, '63. 
Re-enlisted Feb. 10. '64, and while on veteran fur- 
lough deserted again, and was never heard of after- 
ward. The muster roll says he was from Kentucky. 

— Keckler Samuel, a blacksmith by trade, aged 19 
years, enlisted September 3, '61, Re-enlisted as a Vet. 
volunteer December 29, '63, and at muster out of the 
company was transferred to the 190 P. V. Vols. 

— Keim Frederick A. aged 22; a mason by trade j 
went out with the company at its organization. The 
rolls report him as having died at U. S. hospital, Bal- 
timore, Md. No date given. 



28 Historical Record. 

Lady. Leech. Mackley. Megary. 

— Lady Hiram, joined the company Sept. 3, 1861. 
Age 19, and a carpenter by trade. Was wounded at 
Charles City cross roads, taken prisoner, exchanged 
and discharged at Annapolis, April 16, 1863. 

— Leech Elijah L. a farmer; age 19 j^ears; enlisted 
September 4, '61. Was a teamster at Brig. Hospital, 
for ten weeks from November 16, '63. Re-enlisted as 
a Vet. Volunteer, Dec. 29, '63, and at muster out of 
the CO. was transferred to the 190 P. V. Vols. 

— Mackley Jacob, enlisted June 8. 1861, was a la- 
borer by occupation, and' 23 years of age. Jake spent 
considerable of his time in the guard -house, but was 
finally mustered out with the company. 

— Megary William R. went out at the organization 
of the company; age 21 years, and a manufacturer by 
trade. Was on detail with the Pioneer corps, August 
3, '63, and with the Provost -guard January 4, 1864, 
and while on the first named detail was slightly woun- 
ded by a spent ball. He was mustered out with the co. 
and since that tinie has resided at Hazleton, Pa, and 
has been an engineer on the Lehigh valley R. R. for 
twentv vears. 



Historical Record. 29 



McGrew. McKinney. Miller. Metcalf. 

— McGrew William, age 22: a shoe -maker by pro- 
fession, enlisted September 4, 1862. He was severely 
wounded at Gettysburg July 2, '63, and died at the 
Hospital, July 6, '63. He is buried in the National 
cemetery nt that place, 

— McKinney John W. enlisted August 22, 1861. 
A farmer and 18 years of age. Was a good soldier but 
yielded to disabil.ty brought on by exposure and died 
at the Gen'l hospital Alexandria, Va., Feb'y 24, 1863. 
He is also buried in the Nat. Cemetery at Gettysburg. 

— Milkr Peter W. was a recruit July 19, '61, was a 
farmer aged 18 years. He fell in the battle of South 
mountain, September 14, 1862. 

*'With latest breath, .... he cried, 

'Bear up the Flag,' and died." 

— Metcalf Woofiter B, was one of the original com- 
pany, aged 20, and a clerk by profession. Was woun- 
ded accidentally during the Peninsula campaign, and 
went to the Hospital at Phil'a, where he remained till 
January '63, when he left, and from that date he was 
reported as a deserter. Residence :- Hanover, Pa. 



80 Historical Record. 

Monteer. Mumper. Myers D. M. Myers J. J. 

— .V ''^5«3r Henry R. joined the company July 24, 
'61; age 21 and a sadler by trade. Detailed at Div. 
Head -quarters as Sadler, March 7, '64, S. O. No, 74. 
?.e- enlisted December 29, '63, and was at muster out 
of the CO. transferred to the 190 P. V. Vol's. 

— Mumper William, went out with the company,; 
was 19 years of age and a farmei by occupation. 

Re -enlisted Feb'y 10, '64, and transferred finally to 
the 190 P. V. Vol's. Will was one of our best men, and 
a terrible fellow in the excitement of battle. At battle 
of Charles City cross roads, he wa^^ severely wounded. 
Address :- Sheridan Lake-side. Nebraska. 

— Myers David M. age 21; a clerk; enlisted June 8, 
'61. On November i, '63, he was transferred to the 
Non-commissioned staff, and we think re-enlisted as a 
Veteran volunteer. 

■ — Myers John J. was one ot the original company. 
age 21 and a clerk by profession. On account of phys- 
ical disability, he was discharged at Camp Pierpont, 
December 22, '61, and died several years ago at his 
home in Gettysburg. 



ilistorical Record. ;jl 



Myers G. W. Nailor. Naylor. Ogden. 



— Myers George W. enlisted September 3, *6i, was 
a carpenter, and 20 years of age. Died of disease at 
Caiup Pierpont. December 3, '61, and was sent home 
for burial. 

— Nailor Wilson E. came to Camp Wayne when 
only sixteen years of age, but reported himself as nine- 
teen, and was mustered m July 19, '61. At Gettys- 
burg, in the evening of second day, he was wounded, 
and was at Gen'l hospital till October 23, when he re- 
turned to the company. Re-enlisted on February 10, 
'64, and at muster out of co, was transferred to the 190 
P. V. Vol's. At present he resides in Harrisburg, and 
is n Dentist by profession. 

— Naylor fJeremiah E. was recruited July 19, '61, 
at nineteen years of age, and a laborer by occupation. 
At the battle of Scuth mountain. September 14, 1862. 
he was killed instantly by a minnie ball <'The noblest 
fell thnt day." 

— Ogden John Q, age i«; a farmer; enlisted Sept. 
4/'62, did good service, and at muster out of the co, 
was transferred to the 190 Pa. V. Volunteers, to serve 
rhe imrxpired term of service. 



32 Historical Record. 

Pearce. Pensyl. Pittenger. Rhodes. 

— Pearce J. Shaw, age 20; a butcher; enlisted on 
Sept. 3. '61. Was discharged for disability, October 
3, *6s, from Convalescent camp, by order of General 
Martindale. Res'des in Washii gton, D. C. where he 
is in Government employ. 

— Pensyl George W. age 20 : a plasterer by trade ; 
enlisted June 8, '61. He was detached on recruiting 
service, June 12, ^-t;^, and re-enlisted February 10, '64, 

and transferred finally to the 190 P. V. Vol's. Geor^^e 
was as good a soldier as ever cajried a musket, and he 
was always disposed to make the best out of every sit- 
uation. Resides at Bendersville, Pa. 

— Pittenger John F. was one of the original com- 
pany, was a laborer by occupation, 25 years of age. 
He was a good soldier, and re -enlisted on February 
1 0/64, and at muster out of co, was transferred to the 
xqo P. V. Vol's. 

— Rhodes Andreiv H. was recruited July 24, '61: 
a clerk ; and 21 years of age. Was discharged from 
Gen'l hospital at Alexandria, Feb^y ii, '63. Resides 
at York Springs, Pa. 



Historical Record. 33 

Riggs. Remmel. Resser. Robison. 

— Riggs William A. went out with the company; 
age 1 8: a shoe -maker by profession. He was detailed 
with the Pioneer corps, from June 26, '63, to July 30, 
'63 ; and was mustered out with the company. 

— Remmel David E. H. was one of the original co, 
was a laborer by occupation, 18 years of age. Was de- 
tailed with the Ambulance corps, September 15, 1863, 
and was mustered out with the company. 

— Resser Jacob, was one of the original company, 
a merchant ; 40 years of age. At organization he was 
made 3rd Corporal, and was appomted to receive and 
distribute the mail, and served in said capacity at 
Camp Wayne, Tennally and Pierpont ; he also had 
charge of all express matter. He was promoted to Qr. 
master Sergeant, by Col. Roberts, and transferred to 
the Non-commissioned Staff, March 26, 1862, and was 
mustered out June 13, 1864. He is now engaged in 
the Tin and Stove business at East Berlin, Pa. 

— Robison Daniel W. age 23; a tailor by trade 
was a member of the company from its organization. 
Was detailed as Regimental tailor, September 14, '63, 
and was employed as such until the campaign of '64. 



34 Historical Record. 

Rosensteel. Rouzer. Sliaffer. 

<'Web, was always up to something," says Orderly 
Young, ''but the failure to capture a whole barrel of 
ham, at Brooks station, must be recorded against him." 
Resides at Punxsutawney, Jefferson Co., Pa. 

— Bosensteel John H. age 21; a farmer ; enlisted 
June 8, '61, re -enlisted December 29, '63, and served 
the company well till muster out, when he and trans- 
ferred finally to the 190 P. V. Vol's. 

— Rouzer James M. age 40 ; a carpenter ; enlisted 
July 19, '61. Went home on furlough May 27, '63, and 
having taken sick while there, was absent quite a long 
time, but returned in season to join in the wilderness 
campaign. ''Snap" was a peculiar sort of a soldier, but 
the strangest thing he did, and perhaps the only occur- 
rence of the kind on record, took place at the battle 
of the Wilderness, when he actually caught a minnie 
ball in his mouth, after it had knocked out two of his 
front teeth. He was mustered out with the company, 
and died at Gettysburg, July 25, 1885. 

— Sliaffer David, age 18 ; a farmer; joined Sept. 3, 
1861, and was discharged December 4, '63, on account 
of physical disability. Address :- Markle, Indiana. 



Historical Record. 35 

Siiank. Sheads. Shipley. 

— ShanJc Jesse enlisted June 8, ^6i, at the age 24, 
and was a shoe-maker by trade. He died of disease at 
Camp Pierpont, Va., November 24, '61, and was sent 
home for burial. 

— Sheads Robert, went out with the company, was 
18 years of age and a machinist by trade. Reported a 
deserter on route to Gettysburg June 26, '63, and then 
reported himself to the Gen'l hospital at that place, as 
sick, was furl oughed for 20 days, from October 3, to 23, 
'63, when he returned to the company. Re-enlisted, 
December 29, '63, and was at muster out transferred 
to the 190 P. V. Vol's. He is dead, we believe. 

— Shipley John W. joined the company July 24, 
1861, was a teamster, aged 24 years. He was killed at 
Spottsylvania, on Wednesday May 18, '64, while doing 
noble duty on the skirmish line. The comrades buried 
him under the wide-spread branches of an evergreen. 

Breathe soft, ye winds ! 

Ye waters, gently flow! 
Shield him, oh, evergreen ! 

Ye flowers, around him grow ! 
Unhallowed feet, I beg you pass in silence by ! 
Our Comrade here asleep doth lie. 



36 Historical Record. 

Siplinger. Stewart. Stouffer. Swisher. 

— Siplinger Mathias J. age i8 ; a farmer; enlisted 
July 19, '61. Was absent much in Hospital, and was 
discharged May 7, '63, on account of physical disabil- 
ity, by order of Gen'l Heintzelrnan. 

We know not whether he is dead or living 

— Steivart David M. age 20 ; a iarmer ; enlisted 
June 8, '61, and served on detail at Gen'l hospital in 
Baltimore, from October 10, '62, till muster out. 

We are not advised as to his present residence. 



— Stouffer Jacob, enlisted June 8, '61, at the age of 
27, and was a shoe -maker by trade. Was taken prison- 
er November 27, '63, while disobeying orders, and he 
was mustered out with the company in his absence. 



— Swisher Charles A. age 20; a stone-cutter; join- 
ed July 19, 1861. Deserted on route to Gettysburg June 
26, '63, and then reported himself to the Gen'l hospi- 
tal at Phil'a August 19, '63, and was returned to the 
company. January 15, '64, he was transferred to the 
Invalid corps. Resides at Pine-grove, Cumb'd co, Pa. 



Historical Record. o7 



Tawney. Trimmer. Weber. Wisotzkey. 



— Tawney Charles Z. was 29 years of age, and a 
brick -layer by trade ; joined the company, June 28, 
i86i. Was made 8th Corporal, August 24, 1861, and 
promoted to 5th, September 3, '62, and discharged for 
disability, January 2, '63. Resides at Gettysburg, Pa. 

— Trimmer William, age 18; a farmer; enlisted 
July 19, '61. He was discharged November 3, '62, on 
account of physical disability, (deafness,) contracted 
under the heavy cannonry, in the Peninsula campaign. 
He afterward served as cook, for the officers of Co. I, 
205 P. V. In 1872, went to Kansas, and took a home- 
stead, but returned to Penn'a in 1883. He now resides 
at Mechanicsburg, Pa. 

— Weber Frank, enlisted June 8, '61, at the age of 
21, and was a tobacconist by trade. Deserted Decem- 
ber 12, '62, from Brooks station, Va., and never was 
seen afterward. He was a ''Baltimore dutchman." 

— Wisotzkey Craig F. age 20; a Coach-painter; 
enlisted June 8, '6i- He was killed at Mechanicsville 
in the battle of June 26, 1862, and was the first of the 
company that fell in the country^s service. The com- 
rades buried him near the battle field. 



38 Historical Record, 



Woodring. Woods. Goutermuth. Sheets. 



Woodrinp David IT. was one of the original co, was 
a lime-burner by occupation, 27 years of age. Was de- 
tailed with the Pioneer corps, ir, July 1863. Re-enlis- 
ted as a Vet. volunteer February 10, '64, and was 
at muster out of the co. transferred to the 190 P. Vet. 
Vol's. Residence, Lancaster, Pa. 

— Woods Alex. L. C. age 25 ; a cabinet-maker by 
trade, was a member of the company from its organiza- 
tion. Was made 5th Sergeant, July 26, '61, and pro- 
moted to 4th Sergeant, September 3, '61. Discharged 
on account of physical disability, but no official notice 
was ever received. He died a few years ago, in the 
west, where his family now resides. 

— OoutermutJi Paul and Sheets Samuel, were on 
the original rolls of the co, but were not actually mus- 
tered into the U. S. service. They were however arres- 
ted as deserters, in 1863, sent back to the co. Court- 
martialed and sentenced to serve the full term, and 
at muster out of the co. were transferred to the 190 P. 
Veteran Volunteers. These men we believe suffered un- 
justly, as they never were recognized as members of the 

company, and were not reported as deserters from it. 



Historical Record. 



39 



Several other names. 



— John Gibson, Adam HoUzicorth, George Holtz- 
tcorth, Zephaniah Bogers, Willimn Zell and Geo. 
Little, when the company was mustered into the U. S. 
service at Camp Carroll Baltimore, Md., July 26, '61, 
stepped from the ranks, as they were privileged to do, 
and refused to be mustered into said service. They ac- 
cordingly were dropped from the rolls of the com- 
pany, from that date. 

-"'^^■^ The End. (^'*^ 




PAPERS 



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"^EiVli'^lS^E'^C^^ 



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OMPANY K we presume, was not 
far behind the general run of sol- 
^-t:^ diers, in "stirring up the de'il." 

Many amusing incidents might 
be recorded, but we give only a 
few Reminiscences in these pages, 
as they readily occur to us. 



WHO STOLE THE DUMPLINGS? 



A T Fairfax Station, Lieut's Minnigh and Kitzmil- 
-Q^ ler having secured some very fine apples, and a 
batch of real wheat flour, concluded to have an Apple - 
dumpling dinner. A (. "amp-kettle was brought into 
requisition, the dumplings were made by ''Cornelius", 
who took charge of the preparation, and soon the ket- 
tle was steaming over a blazing fire. 



4 Reminiscences. 

A few guests were invited, the board was well spread 
and all waited anxiously, the summons to the feast, for 
'Nelius had said, '<Dey's most biled, Boss." Suddenly 
while thus waiting, Cornelius at one bound sprung into 
the tent and blurted out these words, ''deed and dou- 
ble, dey's gone, sure 'nuff; somebody's done gone and 
stole de dump-l-i-n-e-s, kittle and all!" 

This proved to be an actual fact, and to this day the 
real thief, who stole every-thing but these officer's 
tremendous appetite for dumplings, has never been 
discovered. 



NO TWO SHOTS, 
EVER STRIKE THE SAME SPOT? 




INCIDENT at Spottsylvania, will 
easily be recalled to memory. In 
some movement, in which our reg- 
iment participated, our flank was 
brought in range with a rebel bat- 
tery, when a 20 pound shot came 
whizzing along. Fortunately, it 
was poorly aimed, and exploded as it struck the ground. 



Reminiscences. 5 

The shell tore a hole in the ground, about ten ieet 
from our line, immediately in front of our company, 
sufficiently deep to bury a team of mules. Several of 
the boys said, ''No two shots, ever strike the same 
spot," as they jumped into the cavity, considering it a 
safe place. Scarcely had they entered it however, until 
another shot from the same gun, came rico-cheting in 
the track of the former, struck the ground and tore its 
way right through under them. The shell did not ex- 
plode, fortunately, and no one was hurt, but such a 
"scrabbling out" of that hole, and scratching of dirt 
out of eyes and ears, was rediculously amusing. 



TWO FRIENDS PART FOREVER. 



WAS AMUSING to listen to Bill 
Mumper express himself under the 
excitement of Battle, when some- 
how, though brave as a lion, he 
lost control of himself. 

At North Anna river, after we 
had crossed at Jericho fording, 
we lay in an open field, and the artillery were thrpwing 
shot and shell, to and fro, over our heads. One of the 




6 Reminiscences. 

shells exploded prematurely right above us, and a por- 
tion coming straight down, struck Mumper's tin-cup 
buckled to his haversack, which was slung over his 
shoulder, smashmg it into a shapeless mass. Bill got 
mad, and in his anger uttered words, something like 
these, '<Make out a requisition for a new tin-cup, quick ; 

d d if that was'nt the last tin in the brigade ;" then 

taking the relic in his hand, he soliloquized as follows. 

"Good bye ! old tin-cup. Good bye! You've been a 

faithful friend to me, .... 1 have'nt time to shed any 

tears just now, but I'll miss you like , and I'll 

often think of — " Just then a shell exploded right in 
our midst, and springing to his feet, as the order, at- 
tention ! was given, he exclaimed finally, ''H they 

won't let me alone in my sorrow !" 



AN AWFUL DEATH. 

^^ T Charles' City cross roads, when lying down 
"4^ under the heavy cannonry, a solid shot struck a 
tree, twenty feet from the ground, cutting it off clean 
from the main trunk. It then dropped to the ground 
in an upright position, and in doing so, struck the pros- 
trate form of a soldier, lying at the root of the tree, 
crushing him into the ground. The tree as it impaled 
the luckless soldier, rose thirty feet into the air, and 
stood upright by the parent stock. 



"SNAP" IN A PIG-PEN. 




THE MARCH toward Washing- 
ton, after the Second Bull-Run, 
'Snap' Rouzer got tired out, and 
concluded to take a rest. Finding 
a convenient pig-pen by the road- 
side, he crawled in, and soon was 
asleep. When he awoke trom his 
slumbers, the troops were still go- 
ing by, but he resolved, first, to take a look at outside 
surroundings. When he did so, he discovered that our 
troops had disappeared, and the Johnnies were going 
by with long and hurried steps, so he laid low for two 
mortal hours watching and counting the rebels passing. 
When the way was clear, he lit out, by a flank 
movement and rejoined the company, first reporting 
to Division Head-quarters, the numbers of the enemy 
he had seen in pursuit of our forces. He said that a 
commission was promised him for the valuable infor- 
mation, but the commission never came to hand. 

Rouzer frequently was absent from the command, a 
day or two at a time, and when interrogated as to the 
matter, would merely say that he had been on a scout. 




8 Reminiscences. 

WE MUST here relate, one of Rouzer^s pranks. 
An order had been issued, from Head -quarters, 
requiring all soldiers to remain with the Camps of 
the various regiment, as many were accustomed to 
pitch their tents in a convenient woods, away from the 
camp. Jim was one of those aftected by the order, 
but as usual, paid no attention to it, and with several 
comrades remained out, "where wood and water was 
plenty." When told of the order, on coming to the 
main camp for rations, he simply uttered a single bad 
word, gave his long black mustache a push to one side, 
(you remember that mustache, one side up in the air 
and the other trying to look respectable ?) and then he 
went back to his ''dog-tent" in the woods. 

Presently an officer was sent from Head -quarters, to 
drive all stragglers into camp, and riding up to Snap's 
tent, with the usual big fire in front of it, inquired of 
Jim sitting composedly by the fire, why he was not in 
camp according to orders. "Well, Captain ! I'd like to 
be there, but I'm taking care of them fellers in there, 
just now," said Jim, pointing to the tent, where two 
men were sleeping on a pallet of straw. "This is a 
hos-pit-tal, and them poor sojers is awful bad with the 
Small-pox." It is said that the officer concluded that 
he had business some where else just then, and rode off 
at full speed, and left Rouzer master of the situation. 



Reminiscences. 



i) 




"You can't spit in my ear." 

HE COMRADES will remem- 
ber the squad of new recruits, at 
Camp Tennally, a tew of whom 
were "raw, very raw," but who 
at the end of the term of service, 
•'were sharp as any." 

L h was one of these, and 

■■'tiiMi^^ it is said, some the boys played 
the following trick on him, when, for the first time, he 
was put on guard duty. He was warned by the boys, 
to be a little watchful, as they often played tricks on the 
new beginners, and named some red iculous things that 
had been formerly played on recruits, none of which, 

had any foundation in fact. L h had no idea that 

the boys were putting up a job on him, and when put 
on guard, he walked his beat as proud as a gobbler in 
a barn-yard, and with an air about him that said, "you 
can't play any tricks on me!" 

About sunset the officer of the camp guard made the 
rounds, and gave the countersign, whispering the same 
in the ear of each guard as customary.. The officer ap- 

proached L h for this purpose, but was held back 

by a movement of the bayonet, and with a knowing 
grin, he exclaimed. "Oh! You can'tspit in my ear." 




10 Reminiscences. 

PRINTING PRESS, is an agent by the 
use of which, much good or much harm 
may be done, but our object is to pre- 
serve a few reminiscences, which ought 
to be handed down to our children. 
Jacobs was on guard, at Regimental Head -quarters 
on one occasion, and as was often the case; when the 
relief seemed to be behind time, he called out two or 
three times, very distinctly, ''T^'o o'clock, and no re- 
lief." This annoyed Col. Roberts who was awaked in 
the midst of his slumbers, so when the sentinel agam 
yelled, ^'Two o'clock, and no-o-o-o — " he never fin- 
ished, for two distinct shots of a revolver, in the Col's 
tent attracted his attention, and approaching the same 
he hurriedly inquired ^'Colonel, Colonel ! any thing the 
matter, in there?" The reply was, "I did'nt hit you, 

did'nt I? Now you holler again, d you, and I'll 

blow out your brains." Jacobs did'nt holler any more. 

TTAVING been detailed for duty, with the Pioneer 
^;?r Corps, he rej orted at once to Head -quarters, and 

Y 

when they asked his name and regiment, replied '-Co. 
K., of the First, and my name is John Henry Kelley 
Jacobs." The Captain looked at him inquiringly, and 
said, "I want only your name, r ot all the names in the 
regiment." That was, however, his real name. 



Reminiscences. 



11 




rV 116 IS RELATED that on the march, 
through Maryland, Rouzer came 
stragglmg into camp and reported 
to the boys, that he had discover- 
ed an Ice-house well filled, and 
not a great ways off. A party of 
half a dozen, soon were on the 
way piloted by Jim. Presently, 
they came to the house, mostly under ground, by the 
side of a pond of water. The door being locked a few 
lusty blows knocked it off the hinges, and sure enough, 
it was well filled, and covered nicely, with a layer of 
straw. Well, several of the boys jumped in at the same 
instant, when, Lo ! what seemed to be a body of Ice, 
was water, with a mass of floating straw on top, and 
the boys were plunging and snorting in six feet of ice- 
cold, filthy drainage. They charged Snap with a put- 
u]) job, and — well, maybe it was. 



ARDERLY young says, that after returning to our 
':^ camp from the Burnside '-stick in the mud," he was 
ready for almost anything, and that night he and 
John Brandon played their first game of cards. 

By the way, Sammy, where did you play the final 
game, Hey ? 



12 



Reminiscences. 



WHO KILLED THAT CALF? 




A FORAGING Expedition, two 
members of the company found a 
fatted calf, in a farmers barn -yard, 
and soon the greater portion of it 
was transferred to their haver- 
sacks, and they rejoined the com- 
mand just in tmie for the evening 
Dress -parade. 
They kept very quiet about the matter, and no one 
suspected what was about to happen. The parade was 
formed the foragers were in the rear rank. After the 
usual manual of arms, the Colonel gave the command, 
^'Rear rank, open order, March!" this movement be- 
ing gracefully performed, the Colonel went to the head 
of the regiment, and accompanied by a citizen, they 
passed down the Ime, the farmer scanning the face of 
every soldier in the front rank; having reached the 
left of the line, they turned and gave the same atten- 
tion to the rear rank. Just then^ a movement took 
place in Co. K., two men quickly exchanged places 
in the rear rank with two others in the front rank, no 
one outside of tlie company, it seems, noticing the 
movement. 



Reminiscences. 



13 



The sequel, to the whole proceeding was this. That 
lank looking farmer had followed the men into camp, 
and having reported to Colonel Roberts, he was told, 
that if he could point out the two men, he would have 
them punished ; hence the inspection that took place. 

Well, he did'nt find the men, but still he said that 
they belonged to the First regiment. Of course they 
did, but thev outwited the farmer. 



'•SHUNKA-FLIESH." 




APPETITE for smoked meat, was 
omnipresent among the men, and 
all the -'salt horse and sow -belly" 
m the commissary, could not sat- 
isfy that appetite. 

At Bristow station, it was neces- 
sary to make a special trip to army 
Head -quarters on the Rapidan, for a supply, but our 
"little dutchman" took another plan. Going down the 
rail-road to the next stat ion, he jumped an open car 
loaded with barrels of ham, (he called it shunka-fliesh,) 



14 



Reminiscences. 



and as the train neared our camp, he tumbled a bar- 
rel oft, info a clump of bushes by the road -side. Then 
quietly, assisted by others, it was brought into camp. 
That was good ham, as we have reason to know, a 
fine slice having somehow found its way to our table. 



McCABE'S BIG KNAPSACK. 




APTAIN Minnigh at Spottsylva- 
nia, was placed in charge of some 
men, with orders to find the am- 
munition train, and get a supply 
of cartridges for the regiment. 

The train was soon found, and 
at no great distance from the com- 
mand, but the direct intervening space, was open 
ground and covered by a rebel battery; this necessita- 
ted a long detour, in order to reach the regiment in 
safety. One of the detailed men was McCabe of Co. D, 
(I think,) a noble and good -hearted specimen of an 
Irish soldier, and a man who always carried a mule's 
load in his knapsack j when therefore, each man had 
shouldered a box of cartridges and started, McCabe 



Reminiscences. 15 

turned to the Captain, and said, "Faith and be-jabers 
Cap'n, an' oi'ni ^:;oin' shtraight over to the rigament." 
Suiting his action to the words, he was gone. 

All went well till he reached the middle of the open 
space, when the boom of a single gun was heard, and a 
hissing shell came down the ravine as if it was hunting 
for the Irishman. He looked around for an instant, 
then turned just in time to let the shell strike squarely, 
the well packed knapsack. It knocked him down, his 
cap going one way and the box of cartridges the other 
way ; to our surprise he scrabbled up, picked up his cap 
and deliberately put it on his head, then shouldered 
the ammunition box, and started again. The fact is, 
he was not hurt in the least degree. That tremendous 
knapsack saved his life. 



W 



E witnessed a strange 
$T'^ ^^^5ilftJ^^^ sight on one occasion, as 

^JS^ Y^^ ^ f^^^^j-^'^Sti "^B ^^ awoke from the slumber 

.^p^~^^^^JB|^^^ ouac, and snow had fallen 
^S^^2^3^9 during the night, and as 

one soldier after another, rose, from under the bed of 
snow, we thought of the great resurrection morning. 



16 



Reminiscences. 



BROKE THE REBEL'S ARM. 




THE Battle of Charles' City cross 
roads, many Charges were made, 
and many rebel prisoners taken, 
when an order was given to take 
no more prisoners, but to disarm 
them and let them go. After a 
certain charge, Orderly sergeant 
Minnigh when the recall was sounded, met M. M. Mil- 
ler returning to our line with two prisoners. 

He called Miller's attention to the orders, and said 
he should smash the muskets around a tree and let the 
prisoners go. Mike proceeded to do this, but the fel- 
low resisted and there was quite a scuffle. Sergeant M. 
watched the contest for a moment, but just then he no- 
ticed a movement on the part of the other Johnnie, 
and saw him in the act of levelling a revolver at Mil- 
ler. Quick action was necessary, and with a spring 
and a yell he struck the arm of the rebel, with his 
clubbed musket, sending the pistol into the air, and 
breaking the arm midway between the elbow and 
the wrist. Minnigh picked up the revolver and sent it 
home afterward as a relic. Miller took the muskets, 
^ and destroyed them, letting the prisoners go. 



Reminiscences. 17 



k^^ j yfcl^ THE Floor in Prince William's 
^^^ p^jM K^ C. H. Virginia, among a mass of 
i^/ T'l [f^p^ rubbage, Capt. Minnigh picked up 
^g^wB^"^^ several papers that bear the marks 
'^'^^T^^m^^ of a past age, both in appearance 
^^^S^^»^ and subject matter, and as relics 
gSw^^S^K of the past we insert one or two in 
■^^^^^^^ these pages ; notice the dates. 



George the second by the grace of God of great 
Britain, France and Ireland; King, Defender of the 
Faith, &c :- To the Sheriff of Prince William County 
Greeting — We command you to Summon Thomas 
Fletcher, to appear at the next Court, on the fourth 
Monday in December next, to testify and say the truth 
on behalf of Richard Mathews, in a matter of contro- 
versy depending and undetermined between the said 
Richard and Thomas Garner, and this he shall not 
omit under the penalty of £ioo. Witness John Gra- 
ham, Clerk of our said court the 29th, day of Novem- 
ber in the xxvii Year of our Reign. 
(The date of this paper is Nov. 29th., A.D. 1756.) 



18 Reminiscences. 

<t.^ Another Interesting Document. ^>_:> 

nnhe Commonwealth of Virginia to the Sheriff of Staf- 
ford county greeting : You are hereby commanded 
to take Charles Carter Esq. Enoch Benson, William 
Mullen and Benjamin Fichlin, if they be found within 
your bailiwick, and them fafely keep, fo that you have 
their bodies before the Juftices of our faid county court, 
at the (^ourt-houfe of the faid county, on the 2d Mon- 
day, instant, to anfwer Eli Nichols, & 

Jane his wife, late Jane Follass, and Rachel FoUass, of 
a plea of Debt for 69,500 lbs, of Crop Tobacco of Fal- 
mouth or Fredericksb'g inspection. Damage £50, cur- 
rent money, And have there this writ. 

Witnefs Thomas G. S Tyler, Clerk of our faid court, 
the Seventh day of August 1788, in the 14th year of 
the Commonwealth. 

T.G. S.Tyler. — C.S.C, 



WHO CAN EXPLAIN? 

T/U" E give here, a copy of a document, found among 

the company papers, that fell into our possesion, 

when the command came into our hands. We venture 

(a supposition only,) that the paper refers in some way 



Reminiscences. ID 

to what was known as "The company lund," viz: 
money paid to the company by the commissnry depart- 
ment, for rations that were not drawn. ' 

Copy of the Statement. 



^61.75 
•30 

. -25 
.20 

79.00 

1.08 

. 51.00 



1862 


. 


Cr. 


Jan. 26. 


Rec' 


'd of Co. fund 


„ 30. 


V 


Cash 


Feb. 8. 


:i 


of David Myers 


,^ 13- 


v 


of Capt &c. for sugar 


„ 22. 


?? 


of Com. Sergt. 


Mar. 17. 


7; 


for Bread 


May 6. 


5? 


for month of March . 



Total credit $ 103.58 

1862. Dr. 

» 
Jan. 27. Stove . . $3.00 

Feb. 7. 6 copies tactics . . 4.75 

,, 13. Sand paper . . .10 

,, 24. Ex. on $50 sent to bank .50 

,, 25. Stockings . . .50 

Mar. 17. Bread . . i3-39 

,, 19. Brushes and l)lacking 1.95 

June 8. 2 doz. Blacking . . 1.20 ^25.39 



Ballance due the company J^168.19 

If my supposition is correct, then, who received the 
monies and as the expressage is charged, where was it 
sent, and where is it now? The paper lias no signature. 



20 



ReminisGenues. 



It seems to have been a settlement made after Sep- 
tember I. 1863, as it is written on the back of another 
document dated at that time. 



"DOC^ ELDEN and THE ''BLACK-LEG." 




EXPERIENCED Gambler came 
I to the front at a certain pay-day, 
put up his Tent without oppo- 
sition from the authorities, and 
opened a ^'gambling hell," and a 
number of the boys were beaten 
out of their hard earnd money by 
the wily rascal. Doc was lured into the den, and lost 
every cent he had in a very few games. He then took 
a favorable position and watched the gambler closely, 
and soon discovered the secret of his success, and con- 
cluded to beat him at his own game. But how? his 
money was gone. He approached one of his most in- 
timate friends, (every member of of the company was 
his friend,) and solicited the loan of ^10, candidly re- 
vealing the facts, as stated above, asserting in addition, 
the positive assurance of retrieving his former losses. 



Reminiscences. 



21 



At this moment another comrade came in and heard 
the concluding words, and at his suggestion, eacli gave 
Doc $5.00, and having received the cash, he seemed 
very grateful, then turning to go he said, ''I'll pay you 
back your money to-night." 

In about two hours, he returned to camp, paid back 
the borrowed money, promptly, and held in his hand 
quite a roll of green -backs besides. When asked the 
question, "How did you do it?" he answered with a 
single word, "Bluffing." 



.■.iiilil'l:! 





-RED TAPE." 

HIS was a Term applied to the 
lengthy routine, through which 
all business had to pass, even the 
r|> minutest affair, went from Com- 
pany to Regimental, thence to 
lii'n'Mlil Brigade and Division Head-qrs, 
for approval, alter which it was 
returned to the place of starting, 
Jto^ through the same channel, thus 
taking much time, which often, under certain circum- 
stances, made applications or petitions, a mere farce. 



22 Re m m iscenc^s. 

On one occasion, a comrade received a dispatch in- 
forming him of the death of his wife. Having applied 
for leave to go home, it took two days to get it, and 
when he got home the wife was already buried. 

We insert a boda-fide copy of a paper in our posses- 
sion, (we nave many such papers,) that proves our asser- 
tion, concerning the "Red-tape'' business. Beyond the. 
above, the document has no significance here. 

Camp near Auburn, Va. 

October 29., 1863. 

Cajjtain : — 

I have the honor to re(]uest, that the 
Charges preferred by me against Privates H. H. Jones 
and H. \V. C.Elden, members of Co. K, 1st Reg't, 
(Inf't) P. R. V. C, and now on file at Head-quarters 
Division Penn'a Reserves, be withdrawn. These men 
have been (for the last 20 days) doing duty with their 
company. Their conduct has always, previous to this 
offence, been such as becomes good soldiers. 

Very Respectfully, 

Your Obed't Serv't. 
H. N. Minnigh. 
To Capt. Auchmuty. Capt. 1st P. R. V. C. ^ 

A. Adj't Gen'l. 3 Div. 5th Corps. Com'd'g Co, K. 



Reminiscences. 23 

On the bark of this neatly folded paper, are recor- 
ded the following endorsements, in the order given. 



Camp near Auburn, Va. 

October 29th, 1863. 



A request that the charges against Private 
Jones and Elden of 1st Inft. P. R. V. C. be 
withdrawn. 



Hd-Qrs, 1st Reg't 
Oct. 29th 1863. 
Approved and respectfully forwarded, 
VV. W. Stewart. 

Lt-col, Comd'g. 



Hd-qrF, 1st Brig, Pa. Res. 

3d Div. 5 th corps. 

Oct. 31, 1863. 

Respectfully forwarded with the request 
that the charges against these men be with- 
drawn — a sufficient punishment can be had 
by trial before Regt'l commander. 
Wm. Cooper Talley. 

Col. comd'g Brig. 



^4 Reminiscences. 



Head Quarters Div. 
Nov. 2, 1863. 

Respectfully returned — The charges 
against Private Elden will be withdrawn. 
Private Jones will be tried for the charges 
preferred . 

By command of 

Brig. Gen'l Crawford. 
Comd'g Div. 
J. S. Marquis. 
A. A. A. G. 



Head Qrs. 1st Brigade. 
Nov. 2, 1863. 

Respectfully returned — attention called 
to above. 

By command of Col. McCandless. 
Wm A. Hoyt. 
A. A. A. G. 



Reminiscences. 



25 



Meeting: friends, amid Scenes of strife. 




illl THE ADVANCE toward Gettys- 
burg, (onr home,) many incidents 
- worthy of note took ]jlace, ])iit we 
will only give, in this connection, 
portions of a letter, sent us by I. 
N. Durboraw, Esq., who tells his 
experience among the friends and 
relatives, that surrounded him. 
Many of Company K. had like experiences, if they 
cared to relate them. 

"I was with the company on the march to Gettys- 
burg," says comrade Durboraw, '<and it was amusing 
as familliar scenes, persons and faces were presented to 
our view. Some young ladies whom I recognized, as 
we passed along, not far from my home, and who were 
waving their handkerchiefs at the soldiers passing by, 
gazed at me in amazement as I named them, and as 
they did not recognize me, inquired, one of another, 
who that could be that knew them. When we arrived at 
the home of Serg't Young his own brother Robert (\ime 
to us, but the Sergeant did not leave the ranks. 

While in bivouac, in J. M. Diehl's field, wlicre we 
halted just before noon on Jiily 2, to get a little rest. 



26 Reminiscences. 

and wait for orders, Robison came to me when cook- 
ing my coffee, and told me that Peter Baker, living 
near by, wished to see me, so I went to his house, and 
after getting something to eat, returned promptly to 
the company. Just when I readied the command the 
orders were given to fall-in double-quick, and hurried- 
ly we advanced to the Round -tops, obliquing into 

position left in front, fired two rounds, 

when the order 'F'orward !' was given, and every man 
had to hunt his way as best he conld, over, round and 
through the bushes, rocks, stones and Plum -run swamp 
in the flat below. How the rebels, who were in num- 
bers right in our front as the order to charge was given, 
it is hard to tell, but most of them did ; when we got 
to the wheat-field the line was halted, and finaly es- 
tablished at the stone fence, which is m place today. 
I now told Capt. Minnigh I was going home, and 
that he should neither say. Yes or No ! I went back to 
the place where we had piled our knapsacks, the day 
before, but could find neither knapsack nor Creamer 
the guard, but looking round I eventually found it in 
a quarry on the banks of Rock-creek. I had only three 
miles home and soon reached it, only to find it filled 
with wounded soldiers, Gen'l Meredith being one of 
the number. I slept on the floor that night, and the 
next morning, with a knapsack well filled, I returned 



Reminiscenoes. 



27 



to the company. I did not find many of the people in 
the neighborhood at their homes, and their houses were 
occupied by skulkers and shuysters absent from their 
commands. When I got back to the company 1 shared 
out the contents of my haversack, and when we march- 
ed that night it was empty. 

On the march that night I passed through a house 
by the road -side, and met a number of my relatives, 
but only said. How d'ye do, and Good bye, and was 
off again." 

'<Green Persimmon Pies." 




HEATED, BY GOSH! was the 
exclamation of a certain comrade 
_ in an undertone, as he spat out a 
^huge mouthful of fresh baked pie. 
Well ! the explanation is just as 
follows ; two pies had been secured 
on the march that day from a col- 
ored woman, at twenty five cents each, but when the 
soldier came to sample the pies, he found they were 
made of green persimmons, and the lower crust was 
corn -meal. No wonder he tried to use ''cuss words," 
his mouth being ready either to swear or to whistle. 



28 



Reminiscences. 




Thirty -two rebels Captured on the Picket-line. 

INCIDENT at Spottsylvania may 
be related here. The Picket line 
had been driven in, and a detail 
of forty men, was placed in chage 
of Captain Minnigh who was mere- 
ly instructed to re-establish that 
line, which he was told curved in, 
bringing the rebel pickets near to 
our Division Head -quarters. The only portion of our 
line. visible was on the extreme right, at a white house 
on an elevation of ground. He at once proceeded a 
short distance to the left, and soon reached Burnside's 
unbroken line, on its extreme right and at the point 
where that line was broken off abruptly. P'rom this 
point to the house referred to, was a distance of half 
a mile, and this space was to be occupied by the new 
line. ''That woods is full of rebels, and you and your 
men will be captured if you go in there," was an offi- 
cers greeting when told of the work assigned to the 
detail, "It will take a brigade to re-establish the line." 
Not the least dismayed, the word of command was 
given and the advance into the woods was started, in 
a bee-line for the white house, a glimpse of which was 
occasionally seen through the trees. 



Reminiscences. 



29 



By stationing a picket every twenty five yards, the 
space could be covered, and this was done, without the 
least molestation on the part of the enemy, not a rebel 
being visible. Scarcely was the line re-established, 
when one of the movements peculiar to this campaign 
commenced, and an order came instructing the picket 
line to fall back, preserving an unbroken line. This 
was done, and when the movement was completed we 
counted thirty -two rebel pickets captured on the line. 

This question remains to be answered . How did the 
new line of union pickets cut the rebel line in two pla- 
ces, as evidently it did, without seeing an enemy or 
firmg a shot? 



A REBEL GIRL "SPIT IN HIS FACE." 



O 1^ 




b T P'OR the Soldiers, none 
for officers," were the words that 

met Sergeant M as he took 

a cup of water out of a bucket, at 
a yard-gate, in the neat village of 
Drainsville while the Pa. Reserves 
were passing through on a recon- 
noisance. 



30 Reminiscences. 

An aged lady and two young girls stood by the ves- 
sel of water, and one of the girls had spoken the words 
quoted above. The Sergeant was about to drink from 
the well filled cup, when Gsn'l Reynolds riding up to 
the gate, said to hmi, "Sergeant! get me a cup of that 
water." He promptly handed the cup, still untouched, 
to the General, who drank the water, expressed his 
thanks and rode away. Deprived of his drink he now 
turned to get another cup for himself, but was met by a 
blunt refusal from one of the girls, who said, "You 
gave your cup of water to that officer, and you cannot 
have any more." His reply to this was, "I'll give my 
Brigade commander a cup of water every tune, even if 
it deprives me of a drink, at the hands of a she rebel." 

As he finished this direct language she turned quick- 
ly and 'spit' in his face, not once but twice. M 

turned and walked away, but took along the bucket 
of water. 



e^>^ WHO were the boys, that took a Piano from the 
mansion near Camp Pierpont, and hid it in the barn 
among the fodder, previous to its shipment north, at 
the close of the war? As the war unexpectedly contin- 
ued for four years afterward it must have been consid- 
erably out of tune. 



Reminiscences. 



31 



•'THAT'S THE VERY FELLOW!" 




HE Army ot the Potomac, in 
one of the advances south-ward, 
crossed the Potomac at the Berlin 
ferry, and pushed down through 
Loudoun valley. The Captain 
was sick during part of this ad- 
vance, and we give a strange co- 
incidence which then had its or- 
igin, in his own words. 
After crossing on the Pontoon bridge I was put into 
an ambulance, and after proceeding a mile or two, I 
gave my place in the ambulance to a poor fellow who 
had sun-stroke, and who seemed more dead than alive. 
I plodded on as best I could, being some distance in 

the rear of my command, when Gen'l followed by 

his staff came riding along. He addressed me sharply, 
inquiring why I was away from my command. I told 
him of my illness and how J had given my place in the 
ambulance to the soldier, then, with a contemptible 
toss of the head he muttered, '' A likely story," and 
rode on. In the evening I caught up, at the camping 
ground, sick, tired and hungry; but soldiers fare was 



32 Reminiscences. 

entirely unpalatable, and I could not eat it, so I went 
to the village close by, (Lovettsville,) determined to 
secure something tasteful. I approached a house at 
the outskirts of the town, for the flavor of newly baked 
pies had been wafted toward me by the evening breeze 
and I decided that a pie, a fresh black berry -pie, was 
just what would suit my case. Knocking at a side en- 
trance I was admitted by a young lady, who moved a 
convenient rocker and bade me be seated . Presently 
a middle-aged lady entered the room, bearing two 
pies, which were added to a number already on the 
large dining table opened to its fall capacity. Taking 
courage I told the woman of my illness and my cra- 
ving for home-fare, and that in her motherly good- 
ness would she sell me two of those pies? She replied, 
that she would like to do so, but that General 



(the same officer I had met on the march that day,) 
had ordered the pies, for himself and his staff officers. 
With this she left the room, and then I appealed to 
the young lady who seemed to be on my side, but she 
stated her inability to reverse the decision made by 
her aunt, but added these words as she pointed to the 
table, <'If I want a pie I take it." That settled the 
matter, and I went to the table, put two pies together, 
and with an ordinary stride started for camp, convin- 
ced that the two pies were not baked for Gen'l . 



Reminiscences. S3 

I got to camp all right, and enjoyed the pies ex- 
ceedingly, and the whole circumstance was soon forgot- 
ten, and perhaps never would have been recalled had 
not the following incident occurred. 

When Company K, had been mustered out at the 
expiration of the full three years term of service, wc 
returned home, and having closed up all the company 
affairs, I finally turned toward the residence of my 
father on the corner of Middle and Washington streets, 
and entered the door as the bell called to supper, I 
was ushere.l into the dining-room, and introduced by 
my mother as the returned soldier boy, and was shown 
to a seat at the board, where a number of persons, of 
both sexes were already seated. Suddenly a young 
lady, a perfect stranger to me, after staring me full in 
the face for a moment, with a hearty laugh and a glee- 
ful clapping of her hands, addressing my mother ex- 
claimed, "Oh, Mrs. M., do you remember .1 told you 
about a sick officer taking two pies from aunties dining 
table, down at Lovettsville, Va?" and without waiting 
for a reply, pointing her finger in my direction she ad- 
ded "That's the very fellow!" This proved to be the 
same young lady teaching in Gettysburg, and board- 
ing at my mother's table. We enjoyed that supper, 
after rehearsing the story of the stolen pies, and when 
supper was about finished, I got an extra piece of pie. 



34 



Reminiscences. 




INTERESTING STORY! is the 
^general verdict rendered, where 
jever I have related the incidents 
connected with my visit home, on 
the evening of July 3rd, when the 
command was relieved from the 
front, at the Round -tops. 
As the Story may be interesting to others, I will re- 
late it for the benefit of all. 

When we went into bivouac, on the spot where the 
Round -top Park dancing-floor now stands, many of 
the company whose homes were in Gettysburg or the 
immediate vicinity, quietly slipped away, and believ- 
ing that our work, for a while at least, was ended, I 
also went, saying to the boys when I started, "Bo3's if 
you go home, don't fail to get back to-morrow morn- 
ing." I am proud of the conduct of company K, at, as 
well as after the battle of Gettysburg, and why should 
I not be? These brave fellow could easily imagine the 
dangerous surroundings of loved ones, during the ter- 
rible conflict, m their homes within the bounds of the 
battle-field, yet, not a man left the ranks or fled from 
duty, and while most of them got home after the bat- 
tle, by a peculiar device, only one failed to return. 



Reminiscences. 35 

But to my story; I passed northward just in the rear 
of" the line of battle, and through the Citizens ceme- 
tery, thence up Baltimore street to the Court-house on 
the corner of Middle street, which was a dangerous 
performance, as the whole route was exposed to rebel 
sharp-shooters, making it necessary to cross all streets 
and alleys at a bound. Having reached the point in- 
d icated., I found the residence of my father, on west 
Middle street one square from the Court-house, so com- 
pletely covered by rebel sharp-shooters, that it was 
an impossible measure to go there. 

I observed things closely, and saw a certain officer 
who was apparetly not acquainted with the dangerous 
surroundings, turn the corner where I was stand mg, 
and walk deliberately down in the middle of the street, 
without being molested, but, Alas ! the poor fellow 
when lie got below Washington street, was taken pris- 
oner. So I took advantage of what 1 had seen, and 
walked down the street, with misgivings I confess, for 
doubtless many rifles were aimed at me, with a rebel 
finger on each trigger, ready to send as many messen- 
gers of death, if I should turn either to the right or to 
the left. It was an awful moment, but I determined 
to carry out my plan, which was to spring into a flow- 
er garden on the east side of the house, when I would 
reach that point, for I would then be in a safe ])lace. 



36 ReminisceHces. 

On! on, to hesitate would be fatal; and how terrible 
it would be to die so near to the loved ones; still on 1 
went, not hurriedly, for the enemy must not even think 
that I have a purpose in view; Oh! If only the yard 
gate were open ! Ah, it is open ! A spring, and I am 
through it, and behind the cover of the house ; I am 
safe, but what a shower of minnie balls strike the pave- 
ment over which I came, and how they tear through 
the palings of the fence on both sides of the open gate, 
terrible messengers they are, but harmless now as far 
they concerned me. 

None of the family were visible, so I entered the un- 
locked door of a back kitchen, which was empty, then 
into the main building I went and all through it from 
main floor to attic, and found no one ; disappointed 
I turned to the cellar and was met on the stair-way by 
a sister, who failed to recognize me in the semi- dark- 
ness, who said, <'Here! what do you want?" On the 
spur of the moment I said, "Can you supply me with 
just a bite to eat?" With this she retired below and I 
followed to the foot of the stairs, and took a seat near 
the lower step, and this is what I then saw : father and 
mother, four sisters and a brother, two or three impro- 
vised beds, an almost consumed tallow dip on the end 
of a barrel in a far off corner, and each person being 
a perfect image of dejection and despondency. 



r oi- 



Reminiscences. 37 

Sister Lucy whispered something to mother, who 
then entered an adjoining pantry, doubtless to get the 
<'bite to eat," "while a younger sister approached me 
inquiring, *'I wonder how much longer we will have 
to remain in this cellar?" 1 merely answered, '<Not 
long," but I discovered that they were entirely igno- 
rant of the state affairs without. She looked at me 
closely, and then followed mother into the pantry. 

Presently, mother approached me, bearing a huge 
piece of bread in her hand, and peermg very closely 
into my face, then as if in glad surprise, she ejaculated, 
"Oh, you bad fellow, I know you now! Here's your 
supper.'' 

I will not attempt a portrayal of the scene that fol- 
lowed, but in a ^w words I revealed the state of affairs 
without, and brought them from that lower world, in 
which they had dwelt several days, into the light and 
comfort of the upper world once more. 

Soon an ample supper spread the board, and then 
all retired t6 the comfortable beds, of which they had 
been deprived for two nights, and I had not enjoyed 
for two years. That night the confederate army began 
the evacuation of Gettysburg. 



38 



Reminiscences. 



Lieut. Sadler, buried at home. 




THE 14th of September 1862, at 
South Mountain, m the charge up 
the last acclivity, and just when 
the victory was won, Lieut. J. D. 
Sadler fell in death, and Lieut. 
Minnigh was wounded. 

As I wish to relate the circum- 
stances connected with the re- 
moval of Sadler's body from the field where he fell, to 
his home fifty-two miles away, for burial, and as I in 
my wounded state, in the face of many difficulties in 
the way, undertook the work of removal, I will tell the 
story, in my own words. 

I was wounded by a minnie ball, through the left 
arm near the shoulder, when in the act of crossing the 
stone fence at the foot of the hill, and as my arm drep- 
ped to my side being completely paralyzed, I believed 
the injury was greater than it afterward proved to be, 
hence, I did not proceed any further. Having retired 
to the field hospital, a surgeon grasped my wounded 
arm and after a cursory examination, said, *'Your arm 
must be taken off," but I did not see things just in that 
light, and slipped away. 



Reminiscences. .*19 

At Middletown, four miles away, dwelt a relative of 
my wife's family, Appelman by name, and Mrs. A., 
was at the same time Lieut. Sadler's aunt, so I deter- 
mmed to go there. Upon reaching the village 1 was 
informed, that Dr. Reed our Regimental surgeon, was 
in charge of the Gen'l Hospital in a Church, so I went 
there. He told me my arm wns all right after remov- 
ing quite large piece of the bone. 

After mid-night, I found the home above indicated, 
but as no response came to my timid rapping, I waited 
for the morning. At the early dawn I was admitted to 
the house, got a good breakfast, had my arm dressed 
and was put to bed. Presently voices were heard be- 
low stairs, and I recognized that of Roades of our com- 
pany. Hastening below I heard the sad news of Lieut. 
Sadler's death, as well as the other losses that befel 
the company. We at once planned the removal of his 
body by private conveyance, to York Springs, Pa., a 
distance of fifty-two miles. 

Mr. Appelman had two horses in his stable, and we 
concluded to use them in the furtherance of our plans. 
A hearse and driver were secured, and Sadler's body 
was brought from the battle-field, en-coffined, and 
all things got ready for an early start on the morning 
of the Sixteenth; I determined to accompany the body 
incognito, and borrowed a citizens suit accordingly. 



40 Reminiscences. 

On the morning of the 17th at 2 o'clock, we started 
with the hearse drawn by one horse, and I mounted 
on the other horse, apparently the most unsophistoca- 
ted countryman you ever saw. Let me say here, that 
1 had determined to accompany the body, and as it 
would have been impossible to have secured a leave of 
absence, the above measure was adopted, so as not to 
be annoyed by the Provost guard. 

We soon reached Frederick city and passed through 
unmolested, but at a toll-gate a mile out on the Em- 
mittsburg pike we found the out-posts, who refused to 
let us pass, but after giving satisfactory answers to all 
questions, we finally were permitted to pass on. At 
Creagerstown we fed our horses and took breakfast, I 
also resumed the military uniform, as there was now 
no necessity of a disguise. Near the town of Emmitts- 
burg I stopped at a residence, in the front yard of 
which there was a well of water, for the purpose of ba- 
thing my wounded arm, when a woman came rushing 
out and said, no Union soldier could have any water 
from that well; I answered in laughing good humor, 
that I thought I knew one who would, when she took 
hold of the pump handle, and tried to prevent my 
pumping the water. I gently pushed her away, when 
she called a dog to her assistance, and a large blood- 
hound rushed around the house, and sprung at me. 



Reminiscences. 41 

But I was ready, and a single shot laid him low. At 
this, the woman commenced to cry bitterly, and said 
she would call the men; my reply was, that the men 
would be dealt with in the same way. No men appear- 
ed fortunately, and I mounted my horse and rode off. 

At Emmittsburg we fed our horses and took dinner, 
and then we were on the road again. A few miles out 
on the Gettysburg road we were met by my father and 
brother, who came with a conveyance to aid me on my 
way. We reached Gettysburg about 4 o'clock, and 
rested until after supper, and then were off again, hav- 
ing still 14 miles to the end of our journey. But 1 was 
entirely worn out, when I reached Heidlersburg. 1 
went into the hotel, kept by a relation of Sadler, threw 

myself on a bar-room bench, and slept, slept so 

soundly that I could not be awakened, so they carried 
me to bed, and I was surprised next morning, to find 
myself there and still seven miles to the journey's end. 

After breakfast, 1 quickly covered this distance, and 
found all arrangements made, for the funeral that day 
in the afternoon. A squad of raw material, was brief- 
ly drilled, in the manual of arms, and at 4 o'clock, we 
buried ''our fallen comrade" with the honors of war, 
in the family burial ground, at Hampton, to await 
the reveille on the morning of the resurrection day. 



In itlemoriam* 

OUR FALLEN COMRADES! 

Killed in Battle. 
J. F. Bailey, Charles City cross roads, June 30, 1862. 
J. D. Sadler, South mountain, Sept. 14, 1862. 
P. W. Miller, . „ „ 

Jere. Nailor, „ „ 

J. W. Shipley, Spottsylvania, May 18, 1864. 
C. F. Wisotzkey, Mcchanicsville, June 26, 1862. 

Died of Wounds. 

Wm. McGrew, at Field hospital, July 6, 1863. 
J. J. Duey, „ date not known. 

Died in Prison. . 

H. W. C. Elden, at Florence, Ala. date not known. 

Died of Disease. 
J. F. Creamer, Mt. Pleasant hosp't, Dec. 21, 1863. 

F. A. Keim, Hosp't, Baltimore. Md. no date. 
J. W. McKinney, Alexandria, Va. Feb. 24, 1863. 

G. W. Myers, at Camp Pierpont, Dec. 3, 1861. 
Jesse Shank, ,, Nov. 24, 1861. 




WOULD be in vain for me to at- 
tempt a proper Eulogium, of the 
^ character of these fallen heroes. 
They gave up the fair promise 
iofa useful life, gave up chances ot 
-fame, aye! gave up life for the 
Salvation of the common country. 
In what light can I set the high mark of their patri- 
otism ? What words can tell the story of their courage, 
with what* language can I adorn their lofty heroism? 
How valiently they fought, how serenely and sub- 
limely they died. 

They fell in the fierce conflict, amid the cheers, the 
fire, the smoke, the flame, soothed in the dying hour 
by the consciousness that victory came to side of right 
and truth and liberty, and that -'Old Glory" still 
waved triumphantly. They have pitched their tents, 
in the eternal bivouac beyond the stars, and are camp- 
ed in the mysterious and unknown silence of the life 
immortal. 

Oh, unconquerable heroes! Let it never be said 
that the great republic is forgetful of your deeds, or 
unmindful of those whom you most loved. 



44 



Reminiscences. 



Finally, my Comrades, let us fight valiently, on all 
the stern battle-fields of this life, so that, when the last 
tattoo IS beaten, and 'lights out' forever, we shall be 
worthy to join the immortal ranks of the comrades on 
the other side, and march before the Great Reviewing 
officer, when time and earth and hostile armies are 
no more forever. 




